The First Audi R8 GT3 to win in the Pirelli GT World Challenge

2011 Audi R8 LMS Ultra GT3

The first Audi R8 LMS GT3 to win in the USA.

Driven by James Sofronas of GMG Racing to three wins in the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge series.

Upgraded to Ultra specifications and finished in the striking electric blue and white livery of GMG racing.

Currently mid-mileage with 7,100kms on the engine following a major service and 3,800kms on the gearbox.

To be supplied with a brand new fuel cell, 0303 is EU taxes paid.

One of the most competitive options for ‘historic’ GT3 racing, the Audi R8 LMS Ultra is regarded as perhaps the best all-rounder GT3 car with superb Audi Sport support available.

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Price: £275,000 GBP

Chassis Number: AS42A0FGT3110303

Audi’s R8

Evolved from Audi AG’s ground-breaking aluminium chassised rear-engined R8, launched to great acclaim in 2006, the second generation model - powered by the Volkswagen group’s 5.2-litre 90 degree V10 engine shared with Lamborghini’s later Gallardo and Huracan, instead of the original 4.2-litre V8 - remains among the world’s most engaging, tractable and practical supercars. Announced in 2011, the LMS ultra racing version, designed to meet prevailing FIA GT3 regulations, enhanced the R8’s already phenomenal record of on-track success.

Audi’s illustrious competition history could already be traced back almost 80 years to 1932, when amalgamation with rival German car makers DKW, Horch and Wanderer formed Auto Union AG. Under this banner, advanced Silver Arrow racers - aerodynamic tours de force with mighty rear-mounted V12 and V16 engines - took the world by storm later in the decade, piloted by such intrepid heroes as Bernd Rosemeyer and Hans Stuck.

In 2012, the R8 LMS ultra scored the marque’s first victory in the prestigious Nurburgring 24 Hours with Team Phoenix operating as Audi Sport. The squad, in its own name, repeated the feat in 2014 and R8 derivatives have subsequently won the annual showpiece five more times. Over the border in Belgium, Audi teams also won four editions of the Spa 24 Hours between 2011 and 2019, LMS Ultra cars prevailing in 2012 and 2014.

With 570bhp on tap, the performance of the factory-built LMS Ultra models was sharpened by a weight reduction over the already impressive GT3 category specification. Lightweight doors and windows were allied to an improved aero package, boasting larger carbon composite wings balanced by complementary front dive planes. Belgian-based Team WRT - founded in the autumn of 2009 by engineer René Verbist (formerly head of VW Motorsport), racer Vincent Vosse and businessman Yves Weerts - won the Spa classic at its second attempt in 2011, cementing its Audi works team status.

Revered among the greatest GT cars in motorsport history, as its stellar results attest, the Audi R8 LMS Ultra and derivatives have contributed hugely to the Ingolstadt-headquartered marque’s rise to prominence over a golden era. Formula 1-bound Audi’s sports prototypes won the Le Mans 24 Hours 13 times between 2000 and 2014, a total second only to Porsche, which has competed in the French classic continuously since 1951 and famously landed its first victory with a 917 in 1970.

This car, AS42A0FGT3110303

Chassis number AS42A0FGT3110303 was built at Audi Sport in 2011 and initially retained by Audi Sport for its Audi Driving Experience programme. In 2013, 0303 was bought by James Sofronas of the established Global Motorsports Group in California, USA. Finished in metallic blue with white GMG detail, 0303 was raced by Sofronas in three seasons of the Pirelli World Challenge for GT3.

Typically following the IndyCar Series around the USA, the Pirelli World Challenge enjoyed healthy grids and headline races. With world-class professional drivers such as Jordan Taylor, Rene Rast, Ryan Dalziel, Guy Smith, Johnny O’Connell, and Tomas Enge all appearing in the series, the competition level was high.

Sofronas’ Audi showed itself to be the leading German entry, and with it Sofronas took three overall victories in the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge. In the second race at St. Petersburg for the first round, Sofronas triumphed, making 0303 the first Audi R8 LMS GT3 to win in America. Sofronas repeated the feat at Long Beach for round two and then again at Austin during round 3.

With a further six podiums scored during the season, Sofronas finished 2013 in 2nd place in the GT World Challenge, narrowly missing the win behind former works Corvette Racing driver and Le Mans class winner Johnny O’Connell. Sofronas’ results helped Audi secure second in the Manufacturers’ Championship and he received much coverage from the Audi Media Center.

After the ‘Ultra’ evolution package was homologated in 2013, 0303 received the full upgrade ahead of the 2014 season. From revised, remounted rear wing, deeper front splitter, carbon doors, polycarbonate windscreen and windows, reshaped mirrors and wider wheels, the Ultra package signalled an improvement in the R8 LMS’ competitiveness.

2014 was not as fruitful for Sofronas and GMG with 0303. A best result of 4th place came at Barber Motorsports Park and Sofronas finished the season 6th in the standings. In 2015, Sofronas did not compete at all of the rounds and took a trio of top 10s in the races that he did compete in.

After the conclusion of Sofronas and GMG’s racing with 0303, in 2016 it was sold to an enthusiast in the USA. 0303 was housed at the Putnam Park circuit and enjoyed on private member days. In 2021, Conquest Racing in Indianapolis gave 0303 a service and set-up.

Today, 0303 sits having completed 7,100km since engine major service and with 3,800km completed since the gearbox was rebuilt. With the R8 LMS enjoying long service intervals of 10,000km for a minor engine service and 20,000km for a major engine service, 0303 is well within those intervals. 0303 is to be supplied with a brand new fuel cell to aid its competitive return to the track and is accompanied by a further set of wheels.

Striking in the original GMG livery, 0303 is now eligible for a wealth of racing in the UK and Europe. From Motor Racing Legends’ new GT3 Legends series that saw 30 cars in its debut race, to Masters Historic Racing’s GT Trophy, there is plenty of track time available at historic race weekends.

Regarded as perhaps the best all-rounder GT3 car and a model with a huge string of headline victories, it benefits from the continued support and resources of Audi Sport. The Audi R8 LMS Ultra is an exciting, attractive and competitive entry for 2025.