2022 championship runner-up Julian Fameliaris got his 2023 Mobil 1 V8 Supercars Championship season off to a convincing start, walking away with a race victory and the overall spoils on 23-25 February at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
On Thursday, Fameliaris’ preparations started well, setting the second fastest lap in Practice 1 while only recording four laps in Practice 2 due to a shortened session. Qualifying on Friday, however, would see the Edenvale driver put together a quick lap worthy of second place on the opening race grid later that afternoon.
Despite making a good start to his race, the Lube Net-backed driver would concede his position to a late-braking Mackie Adlem. Settling into his rhythm for the remainder of the race, he soon made up the gap to Thomas Reib but ran out of laps as the chequered flag dropped for a well-driven podium finish. Race 2 on Saturday morning would again see the Corvette driver start from second place, only this time, he would take the lead of the race after Adlem and Reib had a coming together. Fameliaris would claim his maiden 2023 victory and the overall winning result on the day.
“Pretty chuffed with how it all turned out this weekend. We had the pace throughout and manage to stay trouble-free through both races. I must thank the team for the effort once again; they made sure the car was competitive. A win, the overall result and the championship lead is a good feeling. Let’s keep it going,” said Fameliaris after Race 2.
Fameliaris thanks LubeNet, GW Racing and Di Matteo Racing for the support. Round 2 of the championship resumes at Red Star Raceway on 21-22 April.
Issued by Motorsport Fanatix on behalf of Julian Fameliaris