Kangaroo Encounters Mark Early Stages of Bathurst 12 Hour

Early Race Incidents and Close Calls

Two incidents involving kangaroos occurred during the first half-hour of the race. The first involved the #32 Team WRT BMW M4 striking a kangaroo, which then ricocheted into the #6 Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG. The second incident involved a kangaroo going through the #64 Haupt Racing Team Ford Mustang.

Driver Valentino Rossi reported seeing another kangaroo during the second hour of the race, stating it jumped from a wall and crossed the track, but was fortunate to remain alive.

Driver Debate: Safety Measures vs. Unique Challenge

Christopher Mies suggested that safety measures were needed to address the kangaroo issue.

Rossi, however, stated that the kangaroos are a unique aspect of the Mount Panorama track, which is used infrequently, and that it is difficult to resolve the problem. He acknowledged the inherent danger of racing there, referencing the incident with Mies.

Rossi's Podium Finish and Future Ambitions

Rossi, with teammates Augusto Farfus and Raffaelle Marciello, secured a second consecutive podium finish at Mount Panorama, finishing third. He expressed satisfaction with the podium placement, noting the increasing level of competition at the Bathurst 12 Hour, and stated his intention to continue pursuing a win.

He expressed satisfaction with the podium placement, noting the increasing level of competition at the Bathurst 12 Hour, and stated his intention to continue pursuing a win.