Unfulfilled potential for Callum Hedge at Australian Grand Prix

This year’s Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, it was the dawn of a new era as the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992) debuted on local shores as did Kiwi ace Callum Hedge in Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.

Racing at Australia’s biggest event, Hedge started the weekend by finishing the sole practice session second before qualifying 11th in the race, although confidence was high as the pace was there to be at the front.

Despite a slow start to the opening race, Hedge was able to charge through the field to take sixth ahead of a unique event into the twilight to close out Friday.

Running as high as fourth before a 10s penalty was applied, then an engine failure dropped Hedge out of the race, with the EBM team working late into the night to replace the unit.

A frantic Race 3 left not much time for Hedge to climb position from the back where he passed half the field to be 16th.

A collision in the final race entering the front straight damaged the EBM significantly enough for him not to continue leaving the result a disappointing one leaving Hedge’s maiden round.

The next round of Paynter Dixon Porsche Carrera Cup Australia takes place at Winton on May 21-22.

QUOTES

Callum Hedge

“The first weekend racing at the Australian Grand Prix, I was really happy with how I drove, plus the team were very happy with where I’m at as well as the car is at,” said Hedge.

“We know it’s fast, we know I’m driving well, we know we have the speed to be in the top three results-wise, so there’s a more important emphasis on qualifying to be on the front row next time because we know that’s where we belong.

“Our speed was very good, which is another positive we can take out of it.

We press on until the round at Winton and we should be good.”