THOMAS Randle will race in the 2026 GT World Challenge Australia season-opener next week at Phillip Island as cover for Alex Peroni.
The latter – a podium-getter in FIA Formula 3 and Indy Lights – has been ruled out while recovering from injury, paving the way for Randle to substitute as Mark Rosser’s Pro offsider in the #246 Team BRM Audi R8 LMS Evo II.
“I’m really excited to be joining GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS for this round with Mark and Team BRM in the Audi LMS GT3 Evo II,” said Randle, who took a last-start Supercars podium at Albert Park.
“It’s a great opportunity, even if it’s just a one-off for now, and it’s nice to be back working with the team again after my time with them in S5000.
“There’s a bit of a reunion there with Marcus (Koch) as well, which makes it even more enjoyable.
“It’s also my first time driving the Audi GT3… Phillip Island is a track I love, and GT cars always put on a great show here, so it’s a perfect place to kick things off.
“The goal is to work closely with Mark, be competitive, and hopefully put ourselves towards the front.
“If it leads to more opportunities later in the year, that would be fantastic, but for now, the focus is on doing the best job we can this weekend and filling in while Alex recovers.”
Thomas Randle (#49) in his S5000 days. Pic: Supplied
In his sole S5000 season, Randle tasted victory at Symmons Plains and helped complete a championship 1-2 for Team BRM (finishing series runner-up to Joey Mawson).
Rosser hailed Randle as a quality, experienced asset to help kickstart his campaign.
“The goal is to fight for strong results and ultimately the championship, and with tracks like Phillip Island and The Bend suiting us, we’re hoping to start the season on the front foot,” he said.
The GT Festival Phillip Island will run across March 27-29.