Lieschke observes Grove operations at Sandown

Grove Racing has recruited Lieschke, a German engineer who spent 13 years with Porsche, to serve as head of simulation and performance. He joined the Penrite squad after being announced in July, though he has yet to officially start and is currently observing the team's operations at Sandown. He is nonetheless listed on the squad's performance personnel for the weekend.

Lieschke's arrival follows another international recruitment by Grove, which added former Ferrari Formula 1 engineer Riccardo Corte of Italy as race engineer for Kai Allen this season. Corte also observed the team at Adelaide last year before starting his duties at the opening round of 2026.

On the track, Grove's Mustangs occupied the two back rows of the grid for Saturday morning qualifying. Matt Payne secured pole in the Top 10 Shootout, while Allen had a difficult session and will start the 250km Sandown opener from last place.