tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61070720697261377062024-03-19T08:47:35.551+00:00The AdvantageUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4460125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-84313825570547839862024-03-18T11:15:00.003+00:002024-03-18T11:15:45.231+00:00Racar Motorsport claim the GT4 silverware as the Ultimate Cup Series starts at Paul Ricard<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzKsVQGBZ6J9sd4siqiV0-WIv3tidUZVbic7wAAKTGTiC70yVHulqJP2gAKrYFi3aTZA3XLhX3YSLCKN6wvaPyyh8xFJNjzM_RN9dobkFIMkXeLux8_36nknwJsuQpvam_HrLbXW8vfGvFG8EJKMusl1CPH8wEcmT9koWCQkJIkAtVk8KoJ5oxGaq1FON/s960/IMG_3536.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="960" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzKsVQGBZ6J9sd4siqiV0-WIv3tidUZVbic7wAAKTGTiC70yVHulqJP2gAKrYFi3aTZA3XLhX3YSLCKN6wvaPyyh8xFJNjzM_RN9dobkFIMkXeLux8_36nknwJsuQpvam_HrLbXW8vfGvFG8EJKMusl1CPH8wEcmT9koWCQkJIkAtVk8KoJ5oxGaq1FON/w640-h422/IMG_3536.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A somewhat successful debut within the Ultimate Cup Series for the Portuguese based Racar Motorsport Aston Martin Racing powered team as their two Vantage GT4 crews secured five out of a possible eight class podiums at last weekend’s season opener.<br /><br />Having got themselves race ready with a few rounds within the now concluded GT4 Winter Series, the team entered both of their available 17A versions of the Vantage GT4 for the series opener from Circuit Paul Ricard in France for drivers Antonio Lopes/Matthieu Martins aboard the #09 car and Ruben Vaquinhas and Roberto Faria aboard the #777 car.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIy_GJE0S3CvvzS9XM5S3CcmcgcDZthBdjnXQcCt-EqGI-G_qTqN95Z4a-g9hc9YwWtz-i8JWntZanhwdcitLkb1PwOpnyEnWcyl5V06YyE8lHc5R5lHKJ7SsLbgH9WVJv20yYO-sIr5pGfkRbatiRv4e-KMFzYD52EynfhdNrtbLEhynVAMgHakDPApF/s1147/IMG_3561.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIy_GJE0S3CvvzS9XM5S3CcmcgcDZthBdjnXQcCt-EqGI-G_qTqN95Z4a-g9hc9YwWtz-i8JWntZanhwdcitLkb1PwOpnyEnWcyl5V06YyE8lHc5R5lHKJ7SsLbgH9WVJv20yYO-sIr5pGfkRbatiRv4e-KMFzYD52EynfhdNrtbLEhynVAMgHakDPApF/w536-h640/IMG_3561.jpeg" width="536" /></a></div><div><br />Racing within the GT Sprint races as well as within the new for 2024 AMR Trophy class (although they were the sole Aston Martins entered), that give each driver two twenty-five-minute races (approximately eleven laps for a GT4) around the long mistral circuit.<br /><br />In Friday’s first races, the #09 car of Martins claimed a class win whilst the sister #777 car of Vaquinhas claimed third in class for a decent season opener. The second race saw the #777 car of Faria move up the order by also claiming a class win whilst the #09 car of Lopes finished fourth in class.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2WUiDn5Y7hQpLr1BxyWPwSI09dozIyA_xR1OSPU58fy3F-6NG3fdrLd8KqsVRdKWiYmYJJgOG5AEHVdEJ9kf5gfRRaUA1TBfIbebX4UO3KxZ2_t3fDTMc1rWpAj0rhRqLphIePNslsBohFDgRqd_jMXbJUPWOoujMkBHJJtHDI7AqKz7hkJ3_h3KbLVM/s1220/IMG_3560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2WUiDn5Y7hQpLr1BxyWPwSI09dozIyA_xR1OSPU58fy3F-6NG3fdrLd8KqsVRdKWiYmYJJgOG5AEHVdEJ9kf5gfRRaUA1TBfIbebX4UO3KxZ2_t3fDTMc1rWpAj0rhRqLphIePNslsBohFDgRqd_jMXbJUPWOoujMkBHJJtHDI7AqKz7hkJ3_h3KbLVM/w504-h640/IMG_3560.jpeg" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>Saturday wasn’t quite as successful however for the #777 as Vaquinhas suffered early issues of his second race to retire the car on only the third lap whilst Martins went on to claim his double with another class win – as did Faria in his final race of the weekend with Lopes again coming home in fourth.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0-ot8zFxzFi2Eq105noBbJB6zSPVK9uFA33mWlq0bhl6rvty6X0bty1vGardVZjmrw9GiI5f8SnJqJ7ssNWGizicMDh08iY2Tv3KaKDGFY0wopzn1QHVlxn_RwthglJa_HOwqRExBoNPKr4yqPm-_6oN-33yBvukv-UoCTpKRjEInV7TWyai0T0IAdZ1/s960/IMG_3548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="960" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0-ot8zFxzFi2Eq105noBbJB6zSPVK9uFA33mWlq0bhl6rvty6X0bty1vGardVZjmrw9GiI5f8SnJqJ7ssNWGizicMDh08iY2Tv3KaKDGFY0wopzn1QHVlxn_RwthglJa_HOwqRExBoNPKr4yqPm-_6oN-33yBvukv-UoCTpKRjEInV7TWyai0T0IAdZ1/w640-h510/IMG_3548.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The series now gets onto home turf for the Racar Motorsport team as the next round will be at Portimao at the end of May.<br /><br />Photo credit - Team / social media</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-84442982667099477992024-03-17T15:11:00.002+00:002024-03-17T15:11:22.333+00:00P2 first time out of the box for FHK Racing at the Sepang 12hr <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF5Cl_5SY-4cddTQMWAcK_CZpdlzBb5hvawviRrE3pv2gwGRpTcGVxnz8q7M9suD9rSFb78yFhb4RoXM3l6xfrWDQBPVJDHgiTJGofMXBb-NdV_dYUByb5792krv-HXV4796HEnFPh_KAwhy0R1porqimJ5ZocGcsu8E22rWvd57K-hAmRuuj4FW-gjlO/s960/IMG_3611.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF5Cl_5SY-4cddTQMWAcK_CZpdlzBb5hvawviRrE3pv2gwGRpTcGVxnz8q7M9suD9rSFb78yFhb4RoXM3l6xfrWDQBPVJDHgiTJGofMXBb-NdV_dYUByb5792krv-HXV4796HEnFPh_KAwhy0R1porqimJ5ZocGcsu8E22rWvd57K-hAmRuuj4FW-gjlO/w640-h426/IMG_3611.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>First time Aston Martin Racing racers, FHK Racing, continued the fine AMR form this weekend as they scooped a well-earned class podium at the end of the Sepang 12Hr yesterday.<br /><br />Usually associated with Porsche racing hard wear, the New Zealand based team continued this new AMR/Earl Bamber Motorsport association seen of late within the GT4 class to help the Franco/Kiwi driving trio of Francois Beziac, Heremana Malmezac and Jono Lester to claim an overall seventh placed finish as well as second within their own GT3 AM Class.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLD-QF-A6uLvzOvmOrtS8bXqzes-CP8dcAtcP5AwfyYDrpc_jb9RnQMw6bYQ3Do5vndIM57A-qZh7K_6UoMpjMsm0lH0cWB_p0ZfOiJytoR2ys-pjixY8J-nB8UiBNmAFLgGxT6sMlnVj8-U3-S6Vgzo7_nSb9qHj_ikpdotrJjXWDW5qB49A6Mf94wt9j/s960/IMG_3608.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="960" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLD-QF-A6uLvzOvmOrtS8bXqzes-CP8dcAtcP5AwfyYDrpc_jb9RnQMw6bYQ3Do5vndIM57A-qZh7K_6UoMpjMsm0lH0cWB_p0ZfOiJytoR2ys-pjixY8J-nB8UiBNmAFLgGxT6sMlnVj8-U3-S6Vgzo7_nSb9qHj_ikpdotrJjXWDW5qB49A6Mf94wt9j/w640-h414/IMG_3608.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Only confirmed to the world just over a week ago, the crew arrived in Malaysia full of hope and trepidation having never ran a full specification GT3 car before but with the professionalism of the EBM team around them, their combined qualifying times placed the #71 car in for a P11 start out of the seventeen listed runners having started the race weekend down at the tail end of the timing screen and nearly five seconds off the pace.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjYWjblzBg_YCfCVS-2mbsZrLQObDNOet1Uuo4X-KjGhXXiqGgZeWcQvYTOmEGAu98M8E1E39Rt0RszZiHtlbvET0shwmLl8u0RXTzJ1occy7jgPxAu4F7G8RADmf4yEltQ9t-cT0QvOVIAn2ESpfaq6pwZo_4iWJN66twpQa1Z5OFV5LcNTee6T7-uIg/s833/IMG_3595.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="833" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjYWjblzBg_YCfCVS-2mbsZrLQObDNOet1Uuo4X-KjGhXXiqGgZeWcQvYTOmEGAu98M8E1E39Rt0RszZiHtlbvET0shwmLl8u0RXTzJ1occy7jgPxAu4F7G8RADmf4yEltQ9t-cT0QvOVIAn2ESpfaq6pwZo_4iWJN66twpQa1Z5OFV5LcNTee6T7-uIg/w640-h486/IMG_3595.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />As the race began and the track temperatures rose, some others fell by the wayside but the #71 quickly elevated itself up the running order to be within the top three in class. <br /><br />Eventually finishing P7 overall and P2 in class, the #71 completed their inaugural (and twelve hour long) account with Aston Martin Racing twelve laps down to the eventual race and GT3 Am class winners.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbyUlINMTrNAM3739r26GKozXDIAJGZLww6DLZlRW_Fg_KAKnNhxvJ_HLsTuYZUG8CO8BAc4k7lhF9paX_GsSG652cJ-AviIuF2a-AOL3I1_ph1XB8v-Vo7oePdjJb3kkSlLqproWDL12YAc2AKHYXyCV-jGK0RKgRoCrj2g2fziSjJnpoqzSFCYUHxh1/s960/IMG_3609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbyUlINMTrNAM3739r26GKozXDIAJGZLww6DLZlRW_Fg_KAKnNhxvJ_HLsTuYZUG8CO8BAc4k7lhF9paX_GsSG652cJ-AviIuF2a-AOL3I1_ph1XB8v-Vo7oePdjJb3kkSlLqproWDL12YAc2AKHYXyCV-jGK0RKgRoCrj2g2fziSjJnpoqzSFCYUHxh1/w640-h426/IMG_3609.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Question is now – what’s next for this EBM prepared AMR Vantage GT3?<br /><br />Well done team!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits – Team / social media / Reso Works</span></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-22976994222012138002024-03-17T14:17:00.001+00:002024-03-17T14:17:03.401+00:00Two top five finishes and important points on the board again for the Heart of Racing after another gruelling 12 hour visit to Sebring<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPtzyR5KnbuLz771m25tLt5ystxHR1uOQeyfqtqNBcTCfCoAIDAiFsPO9w4OK0Mc33jY6wI5u9kAEA4-BEGPfu3bPI7oOo523KYaIcgyanJbk4XGf5Gtl8GhElo9u4LRnSerLVu-MMQx-GrQ3M2ZfMiMMeEdOZ16HcEZMzhuxM7Zc4M-c6f6ZRVLHj6aQ/s2048/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPtzyR5KnbuLz771m25tLt5ystxHR1uOQeyfqtqNBcTCfCoAIDAiFsPO9w4OK0Mc33jY6wI5u9kAEA4-BEGPfu3bPI7oOo523KYaIcgyanJbk4XGf5Gtl8GhElo9u4LRnSerLVu-MMQx-GrQ3M2ZfMiMMeEdOZ16HcEZMzhuxM7Zc4M-c6f6ZRVLHj6aQ/w640-h426/IMG_3523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Heart of Racing Team left Sebring International Raceway with two top five finishes following the 72nd running of the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The No. 23 Heart of Racing Aston Martin GTD PRO entry scored a fifth place result and the No. 27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin GTD entry landed a fourth place finish. <br /><br />The stacked lineup of the No. 23 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 GTD PRO entry included Ross Gunn, Alex Riberas, and Mario Farnbacher. During Friday’s sunny and hot afternoon qualifying session, Farnbacher qualified the No. 23 Heart of Racing entry second in class. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75QDWKo_PNtp8TpIp2HS1gRlhbyc_gD9JpFXZkAlmR9CzMO9SDFHj5aPOndEDH3-tPYyKvBJS7jbSTGcH4mRqI9CdGNwEW1FdchQSlxN8y97_SJuORdx3ODFdIbavi3bKAeVDdjSK7z7hQpldXAKt6OLALr03l8OPSB07N0oS029BiVUKZj2uTOmuMBwr/s960/IMG_3614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75QDWKo_PNtp8TpIp2HS1gRlhbyc_gD9JpFXZkAlmR9CzMO9SDFHj5aPOndEDH3-tPYyKvBJS7jbSTGcH4mRqI9CdGNwEW1FdchQSlxN8y97_SJuORdx3ODFdIbavi3bKAeVDdjSK7z7hQpldXAKt6OLALr03l8OPSB07N0oS029BiVUKZj2uTOmuMBwr/w640-h426/IMG_3614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Farnbacher was first behind the wheel for Saturday’s 9:40am start, completing the first two stints while maintaining a top three position before handing the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to Riberas. Gunn was next in the driver's seat as the team raced in podium position at the halfway mark.<br /><br />The second half of the twelve hour enduro saw seven caution periods and the Farnbacher, Riberas, Gunn trio each took another turn in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The trio was able to stay in the top five for a majority of the second half until a late race drive through penalty forced the team to the back of the GTD PRO field. Undeterred, Gunn was able to push forward in the last hour of the enduro, to cross the finish line in fifth.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjm0q530XHLfOQKHhUhJjjpGesMRgGGqazLyw9ntmACnucT5JQlsg2uov7klpFwQQR0hbE0zCZRBKCaxVhcaTyUrxWExRhArSqWrzX_kHUEwID4ztAHCeaMfD4PiVOG5RkpBiVFelEQNh6cX36ha-Taf50T-gKhyi0xcVjWxvojW2xkMNxAoK7u3lIw37/s960/IMG_3532.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjm0q530XHLfOQKHhUhJjjpGesMRgGGqazLyw9ntmACnucT5JQlsg2uov7klpFwQQR0hbE0zCZRBKCaxVhcaTyUrxWExRhArSqWrzX_kHUEwID4ztAHCeaMfD4PiVOG5RkpBiVFelEQNh6cX36ha-Taf50T-gKhyi0xcVjWxvojW2xkMNxAoK7u3lIw37/w400-h400/IMG_3532.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />After the race, Gunn added that “Sebring was a tough day at the office for everyone but I’m super proud of everyone that pulled together to get a P5. I don't think we had a P5 pace car today, unfortunately but it gave us more time and more mileage on the car for everybody to learn. You know, this is only the second race for the car. To be fighting some of the best teams, drivers and cars in the world. Its early stages are very encouraging. We've got a few things to analyze and few things to work on. But overall, good points again. Compared to last year, we are way more ahead points wise from Daytona and Sebring than last year. I think that's a positive that we can take through to Laguna.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuctOXXfEcJnkRkcQTCE19VyYsoZpXZqiYwEXDtb8kAAPGWt5-DhFTwCC2Knewm07p0F6N4U1G6XbYRHTS9esw17hWS1LQQqu5_FH_IeJ46PTqY0gnlMLIJLPOUlP_4Uh7aOlvE1y3fwVW6w4vg4hzapldQxsxIuAiC4gRoTujqV1wpVNQ5_6ORSITEjl-/s960/IMG_3615.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuctOXXfEcJnkRkcQTCE19VyYsoZpXZqiYwEXDtb8kAAPGWt5-DhFTwCC2Knewm07p0F6N4U1G6XbYRHTS9esw17hWS1LQQqu5_FH_IeJ46PTqY0gnlMLIJLPOUlP_4Uh7aOlvE1y3fwVW6w4vg4hzapldQxsxIuAiC4gRoTujqV1wpVNQ5_6ORSITEjl-/w640-h426/IMG_3615.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The No. 27 Heart of Racing GTD entry featured Ian James, Roman De Angelis, and Zacharie Robichon. <br /><br />James started from the ninth row after qualifying for the team on Friday afternoon. James completed his three stints in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the first four hours of the twelve hour enduro, setting the stage for De Angelis and Robichon to finish the remainder of the race. De Angelis was in the fourth place position as the halfway mark ticked away. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4WKsM29hXxsCoYTGLgrJ1wORUdotHvPDpOQDcuD1cT3QZ0NRJZF8qYph5qEf2YmeklYPuMbNraIp34P59PXLhIotuHxmj41JTpdqfxZfIkd2YGRB_0DazuqcEBe6DniAdCR5DPEQoiQRZJLQywfqySFwaam1FMj0kAcRYPp0sndrp5lLPHFz7_DqbSYA/s2048/IMG_3580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4WKsM29hXxsCoYTGLgrJ1wORUdotHvPDpOQDcuD1cT3QZ0NRJZF8qYph5qEf2YmeklYPuMbNraIp34P59PXLhIotuHxmj41JTpdqfxZfIkd2YGRB_0DazuqcEBe6DniAdCR5DPEQoiQRZJLQywfqySFwaam1FMj0kAcRYPp0sndrp5lLPHFz7_DqbSYA/w640-h426/IMG_3580.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Taking turns each stint, De Angelis and Robichon battled through the remaining caution filled six hours that featured a typically warm afternoon. The duo was able to maintain their fourth place position as De Angelis took the checkered flag in fourth. <br /><br />“I mean finishing Sebring in fourth is kind of bittersweet. It’s nice to get some points on the board after Daytona but then there is ‘what could have been.’ Just lacked a little bit of pace all day today but I think we were one of the cars that just kept our nose clean and defended. The Heart of Racing did a great job, we had a good result for both cars. Ready to come back stronger. Now we start sprint racing and I’m looking forward to that" said De Angelis after the race.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l21hTrm8epAc2AAzznnMLfRQm9f7ju6vCpFGic-er08C3qnDvfi5dWLAa-jL4zZ5BscGy8TttdoYLSsITQwy9MSAlx4WeJJ9z_YE6oq1B8C0tbLD6_iBZGtgld8JkzKT0nem3r7RuRC4BjM86PHqpDPdZUky6yN0pBuZjuupFpRpaf_qi9XNg9naIcQt/s680/GIujJzBWYAAJDEk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="680" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l21hTrm8epAc2AAzznnMLfRQm9f7ju6vCpFGic-er08C3qnDvfi5dWLAa-jL4zZ5BscGy8TttdoYLSsITQwy9MSAlx4WeJJ9z_YE6oq1B8C0tbLD6_iBZGtgld8JkzKT0nem3r7RuRC4BjM86PHqpDPdZUky6yN0pBuZjuupFpRpaf_qi9XNg9naIcQt/w640-h428/GIujJzBWYAAJDEk.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The Heart of Racing IMSA program will be back in action on the streets of Long Beach, April 19-21st.</div><div><br />Source material - HoRT</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-52345646670386159752024-03-16T11:00:00.003+00:002024-03-16T11:00:24.677+00:00A great day for the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 as success gained both at the front and in class yesterday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1rRoEpQglvBaQLgp8gJmjOEW2VzydCDzxfkQEFGe7E14ZHUGiRl43NXH81HPpFsjLcy6dQKGtoWLZKmvHvE18JHbMpBMWyZHaLtVnJdbQPOCsL_ytXDQuZ_hFgwap_VChB8MJNmmKgBr4Lwf7iPMpN0mpOB18MhjC0N3BYo4zWG6PMG4XwXBx2z3onqj/s5000/Robin%20Liddell%20and%20Frank%20DePew%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1rRoEpQglvBaQLgp8gJmjOEW2VzydCDzxfkQEFGe7E14ZHUGiRl43NXH81HPpFsjLcy6dQKGtoWLZKmvHvE18JHbMpBMWyZHaLtVnJdbQPOCsL_ytXDQuZ_hFgwap_VChB8MJNmmKgBr4Lwf7iPMpN0mpOB18MhjC0N3BYo4zWG6PMG4XwXBx2z3onqj/w640-h426/Robin%20Liddell%20and%20Frank%20DePew%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yesterday’s second round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series to Sebring in Florida proved itself to be a monumentally successful affair for the as four out of the six Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 entered came away with some silverware.<br /><br />Following the trend of the opening round from Daytona back in late January, it was again the #46 Team TGM AMR of a revised driver line up of Hugh Plumb and Paul Holton (in for the still recuperating Owen Trinkler) who stole the march for their stablemates during the early sessions by Qualifying just off the front row in third. The #19 Van Der Steur AMR of Rory Van Der Steur and Valentin Hasse-Clot just lost out on a similar starting position as Qualifying came to an end on Thursday, but they would be just behind in fifth.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-_vHUPsLyVj7TkPPbW99Eg-pArxMdK2rFxQyk3Cs_Fw9RHMO-QrLa7UnQ5qVhgYs1PivlIJgm-i1TXq_UqqFtj09VtcS6_b9cFWMQs2U2ZTdGRnRhfxSyQusuAZlmYVmGTRM0JXV7wRIJ0cmXOFtiqEzqWBsA0IVHHB2aQbp0yYbOutsAn3QPnq1EW9y/s2048/GIwB6_vXIAANrkq.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-_vHUPsLyVj7TkPPbW99Eg-pArxMdK2rFxQyk3Cs_Fw9RHMO-QrLa7UnQ5qVhgYs1PivlIJgm-i1TXq_UqqFtj09VtcS6_b9cFWMQs2U2ZTdGRnRhfxSyQusuAZlmYVmGTRM0JXV7wRIJ0cmXOFtiqEzqWBsA0IVHHB2aQbp0yYbOutsAn3QPnq1EW9y/w640-h426/GIwB6_vXIAANrkq.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Like most races, qualifying only factors in the positions of each car as they cross the start line for the first time of asking and yesterday’s two-hour affair was no different as battles ensued and those in front tried to make their escape. Whilst the from AMR runners held station, those lower down the order had more work upon their hands as Todd Coleman in his #88 Archangel car was P14, Ramin Abdolvahabi in his #09 Automatic car was P21, Frank DePew in the new 2024 (and reliveried) Vantage GT4 was P22 whilst Ted Giovanis had TCR cars nibbling at his rear in P26.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1BlW1yyuzZizXiLcaYpEQ5MS_M0h3u-322AqsHW4xN_kAb7apm8cF28Cp4rgOECbpIO9_aYtXaZ9ANx_PjO3NPg76MQ0Iage6-e_j-4ppvLsjHKIuYkesAazY4YqE8E-ZjL8kbwRsKabHeTVKaZsdfN29sh0z3BldkUY3fRUatHvEnGVvQO_a9Ba8CMV/s2117/IMG_3566.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="2117" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1BlW1yyuzZizXiLcaYpEQ5MS_M0h3u-322AqsHW4xN_kAb7apm8cF28Cp4rgOECbpIO9_aYtXaZ9ANx_PjO3NPg76MQ0Iage6-e_j-4ppvLsjHKIuYkesAazY4YqE8E-ZjL8kbwRsKabHeTVKaZsdfN29sh0z3BldkUY3fRUatHvEnGVvQO_a9Ba8CMV/w640-h426/IMG_3566.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Whilst Holton listed an early fastest lap aboard the #46 car, DePew received a warning about his start line car positioning but luckily there was no penalty to serve as the race continued into its first half hour.<br /><br />Then, disaster came for Coleman and his #88 car as liquid was released, power being to fail before flames were seen to be licking the underneath of his Archangel prepared car as he dived off track in the search of track marshal intervention. Thankfully, one of the roadside mobile crews were quickly on scene with fire damage being kept to a minimum whilst the damage had already been done to Coleman’s third IMSA sanctioned race this season.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdi8vzoPr6CCYBTq0VefaiGnnrNAIGNkW10jmCchGVci9A7RGeVgpIzRd1hJAY_aCDIouvnN2GW-deAjKEVh311Zmn_iPonLyqvMTzP477P70qHpXPYkToiVUJIYmx9acdtEOZR49n3hxqjPlQhGIlnXsMymW2knr3PE-USoZH6eY_SQhMIemnPYCDOAWn/s1950/88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1950" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdi8vzoPr6CCYBTq0VefaiGnnrNAIGNkW10jmCchGVci9A7RGeVgpIzRd1hJAY_aCDIouvnN2GW-deAjKEVh311Zmn_iPonLyqvMTzP477P70qHpXPYkToiVUJIYmx9acdtEOZR49n3hxqjPlQhGIlnXsMymW2knr3PE-USoZH6eY_SQhMIemnPYCDOAWn/w640-h358/88.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />A lengthy clean up period obviously led to changes in strategies but with the forty-minute minimum drive time still to elapse, it would make for some interesting pit wall choices moving forward.<br /><br />Taking their drive time length to the minimum limit, both the #71 Rebel Rock and #09 Automatic cars pitted for full service with forty-five-minute remaining but the entry angle of the #09 into their pit box meant for a time delaying push back as they swapped to Rob Ecklin for the final stint whilst Robin Liddell would get into the new version of Vantage GT4 for Rebel Rock.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG4vBgRoFOZEntPyS0EpFz5_ES3fz3xWCFZ80byQp97yW5AE0BLf1bHjQaY5LN7VHKQ9zvcEDhoyIxRztAZJ9-7DVFTJltnbmCXTAnIbiN7qaauLdP3cjCmsLlL0T21LR2ujQC318Ku-R_slLEWmCpF82ZtNlaqq5yxK5TVtqpzy8gp-ilxhPZvhjs5lJ/s5000/Aston%20Martin%20Vantage%20GT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG4vBgRoFOZEntPyS0EpFz5_ES3fz3xWCFZ80byQp97yW5AE0BLf1bHjQaY5LN7VHKQ9zvcEDhoyIxRztAZJ9-7DVFTJltnbmCXTAnIbiN7qaauLdP3cjCmsLlL0T21LR2ujQC318Ku-R_slLEWmCpF82ZtNlaqq5yxK5TVtqpzy8gp-ilxhPZvhjs5lJ/w640-h426/Aston%20Martin%20Vantage%20GT4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Green, back to Full Course Yellow, back to green back to Safety car as cautions again bred cautions and all of that ultimately left us with a forty-minute sprint to the flag as the #71 had lifted itself up to P2 and the #19 VDS car of Hasse-Clot up to P3 by this stage.<br /><br />Eighteen minutes to go and the #19 VDS car was having to fight hard to maintain its position with an eager BMW, Ford Mustang and McLaren bunching up behind him. Initially conceding T17 to the BMW, the Frenchman had other ideas as he undercut the #39 BMW to retake third and the chase to the podium.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvfZRUzjI_AD5EwAPv2huzCDcEEjbraMsln1kj9ZxziChUjYc3q6jlW5BtECj0wDojQaxpCgJQNHhu8GsKXdIdRv5fq_CoekCMI9OVrIEq-lcy0-NIBN8HY7HeBnNrkpLo0YQeHMnbq6YwxByRvwpyxBqAO2BUnS_NIJI0_Z9zKlrCVsp_Pe6VVJp4LUX/s2048/GIo1KJ_XMAAgrT6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvfZRUzjI_AD5EwAPv2huzCDcEEjbraMsln1kj9ZxziChUjYc3q6jlW5BtECj0wDojQaxpCgJQNHhu8GsKXdIdRv5fq_CoekCMI9OVrIEq-lcy0-NIBN8HY7HeBnNrkpLo0YQeHMnbq6YwxByRvwpyxBqAO2BUnS_NIJI0_Z9zKlrCVsp_Pe6VVJp4LUX/w640-h480/GIo1KJ_XMAAgrT6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Seven minutes to go and the chasing #44 Porsche that had been reeling in the #71 Aston up ahead suddenly pulled over (maybe fuel) giving Liddell the space that he needed to the end whilst contact behind the #19 VDS Aston saw both the charging BMW and McLaren eliminate each other from the proceedings to allow both Aston’s to finally come home unchallenged for an AMR 1-2 at the chequered flag.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6iXa5LMXExHQnFRQfIS_6rQPiIIMn-20xkhz3ep0UOD6a_8pkPgFyHby74GZ12x5ESUmOFR3KrN92EwsbKmxt3tKdCmlYuqdq6riPGvXTr1EC0oWARKmofORc8O27g0xuft8P0zH6WdWAa3c6gf23aNXzRgKimMJcgNfEXeUh4M-_Rf0MeflI0akIJfX/s2048/GIwB6_xWgAAdEk2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6iXa5LMXExHQnFRQfIS_6rQPiIIMn-20xkhz3ep0UOD6a_8pkPgFyHby74GZ12x5ESUmOFR3KrN92EwsbKmxt3tKdCmlYuqdq6riPGvXTr1EC0oWARKmofORc8O27g0xuft8P0zH6WdWAa3c6gf23aNXzRgKimMJcgNfEXeUh4M-_Rf0MeflI0akIJfX/w640-h426/GIwB6_xWgAAdEk2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Having started the race from P23 out of a GS class grid of twenty-six cars, the #71 Rebel Rock crew had worked miracles to achieve Aston Martin Racing’s first competitive race win for their new 2024 40A iteration of car in only its third race meeting whilst the Van Der Steur team also confirmed just how competitive the outgoing 17A version of the Vantage GT4 still was for some much-needed Championship points.<br /><br />Further back, the #09 Automatic crew of Abdolvahabi and Ecklin secured a class win within their respective Bronze Cup whilst the #64 Team TGM Aston of Giovanis and Hugh Plumb came home P18 overall and P2 in Bronze Cup to round off a very achieving race afternoon in Florida. The #46 Team TGM Aston Martin also finished not totally out of it by coming home a warranted fourth overall whilst the #88 Archangel car was sadly another DNF.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8gIvZlZ1NlODh7U256juqWdXIpeDfUAAPtqjZGA7vRhWMajw6Y-rQcW23BEnRbxr2QOCeFxGtbgTBtCJDqthfMj9ulFVG8MLScK2tI00smEhIObRcwfioXGbuqEB1BiRdg75nfNgzD7xZGKdn4ewFdWVWxFPyXBojwFdrTdSEGjC35HXsaYvuRBY4M_b/s2048/IMG_3500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8gIvZlZ1NlODh7U256juqWdXIpeDfUAAPtqjZGA7vRhWMajw6Y-rQcW23BEnRbxr2QOCeFxGtbgTBtCJDqthfMj9ulFVG8MLScK2tI00smEhIObRcwfioXGbuqEB1BiRdg75nfNgzD7xZGKdn4ewFdWVWxFPyXBojwFdrTdSEGjC35HXsaYvuRBY4M_b/w640-h456/IMG_3500.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Friday was a good day for the Aston Martin Racing powered teams – let’s see what the rest of it brings with the 12 Hours of Sebring and the three AMR Vantage GTD cars from both the Heart of Racing and Magnus racing teams.<div><br /></div><div>And here's wishing Owen Trinkler a speedy recovery and return to a racetrack very soon!<br /><br />Photo credits – AMR / Teams / Social media</div></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-69461205533418082542024-03-16T10:02:00.003+00:002024-03-16T10:15:43.381+00:00New Vantage GT4 comes of age to win third time out<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHObAIwYCKt-1v-ZxIuvs9u7Yog7Yiw6odTPvrBLZH552Kf2CW9e6RNiMDAw73lv7txs5AkxEHZavbo8HopUPPq3Y_r6uliACjnkXzhLZQDhVha-r6ocZQWJr1QH0f1ZF2cuGdV-xZKq7NQP-pV3PjyxnK_2DjDZDajJfr5KUlMQRDwVTOW2hUcZhylF0/s5000/Robin%20Liddell%20and%20Frank%20DePew%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHObAIwYCKt-1v-ZxIuvs9u7Yog7Yiw6odTPvrBLZH552Kf2CW9e6RNiMDAw73lv7txs5AkxEHZavbo8HopUPPq3Y_r6uliACjnkXzhLZQDhVha-r6ocZQWJr1QH0f1ZF2cuGdV-xZKq7NQP-pV3PjyxnK_2DjDZDajJfr5KUlMQRDwVTOW2hUcZhylF0/w640-h426/Robin%20Liddell%20and%20Frank%20DePew%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The brand-new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 has made history by claiming victory in only its second outing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, a support of event for this weekend’s world-famous Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida.<br /><br />In only its third competitive start, the Rebel Rock Racing-run Vantage GT4 – which has yet to race anywhere else other than North America in 2024 – charged through from 23rd on the grid to record a spectacular win in the Alan Jay Automotive 120 two-hour race on the challenging airfield circuit, run on Friday afternoon.<br /><br />Driver and team owner Frank DePew (USA) took the start and steadily moved forward while staying clear of trouble. Then with clever strategy, the team racing in its home state, pitted as early as possible for its final fuel stop, emerging second on the road under caution and behind the Safety Car with 40 minutes to go.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbcn51D5iVegRE_o82veHGw5HsYziVsZ56YnYKLwoLRqeAU_VLZC5mLobsf4WJ6xuVzgEDfmxoISeZjTgncpgup-jXEKPHW7lglCUizIWod5N7XGbjMktaLFChOJJji5_9nxbqAH_wFEzhN4AZ_W2SGbYSrmMH7Uqs4r-0PQMl9mnMQ_SgjRtyBiU0xqO/s5000/Rebel%20Rock%20Racing%20celebrate%20podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbcn51D5iVegRE_o82veHGw5HsYziVsZ56YnYKLwoLRqeAU_VLZC5mLobsf4WJ6xuVzgEDfmxoISeZjTgncpgup-jXEKPHW7lglCUizIWod5N7XGbjMktaLFChOJJji5_9nxbqAH_wFEzhN4AZ_W2SGbYSrmMH7Uqs4r-0PQMl9mnMQ_SgjRtyBiU0xqO/w640-h426/Rebel%20Rock%20Racing%20celebrate%20podium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Once the race went green, DePew’s co-driver Robin Liddell (GBR) made an audacious three-wide pass for the lead and then fended off a sustained attack from Aston Martin Racing works driver Valentin Hasse-Clot to the chequered flag. The Frenchman eventually finished second with team-mate Rory van der Steur (USA) in a previous generation Aston Martin Vantage GT4. American duo Matt Plumb and Paul Holton finished fourth in Team TGM’s Vantage GT4 in a successful day for the British ultra-luxury sportscar brand.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFkTk_pLGBeZIkgEdzM_LKQ8Mz4hX490JtRrl9vqqVCaMLmIB_LEfndbD06_IdLslvEvTHt3drO-eXE6MM_jGUenHLzrXdO6l4f4B6IXS7ihM0yZ05QSEXYuRUKOHhbnncnW27As4ArhTe7byTrYX22zo00zRoZpSxweDuif-9T591Iz2g-jJyP6BpZc-/s5000/Aston%20Martin%20Vantage%20GT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFkTk_pLGBeZIkgEdzM_LKQ8Mz4hX490JtRrl9vqqVCaMLmIB_LEfndbD06_IdLslvEvTHt3drO-eXE6MM_jGUenHLzrXdO6l4f4B6IXS7ihM0yZ05QSEXYuRUKOHhbnncnW27As4ArhTe7byTrYX22zo00zRoZpSxweDuif-9T591Iz2g-jJyP6BpZc-/w640-h426/Aston%20Martin%20Vantage%20GT4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport said: “To win on only its third competitive outing is an outstanding achievement for the new Aston Martin Vantage GT4. There is still much for us and our partner teams to learn about the car, which has barely even begun its racing story. But this is a great foundation for us to start from and is a very clear indicator of how user friendly and raceable the car is ahead of its European debut next month. We would like to congratulate Rebel Rock Racing, a new partner for us in 2024, on a race perfectly executed as well as great drives by Frank and Robin.”<div><br /></div><div>Source material - AMR</div></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-25215066532145125432024-03-15T18:48:00.001+00:002024-03-15T18:48:11.496+00:00In other news this week<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqygGD4z93H0ZAFgUm-gdfYwd9lL6-PXsufjRDbxL0UQcWczy9NoT-R9EGoW7jT85m6ltWRPnNSpqEs6RpVmzm5wJvj6TSBqYvzbxvHqBSdTsCbyiySfKEN2zGqzrbjNE0N83aOAGjZeHDV2CPe6njhj1lcwrOQW8ElGrB5P9UjcYQHNyDfrRZWBNgN0m0/s960/IMG_3542.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqygGD4z93H0ZAFgUm-gdfYwd9lL6-PXsufjRDbxL0UQcWczy9NoT-R9EGoW7jT85m6ltWRPnNSpqEs6RpVmzm5wJvj6TSBqYvzbxvHqBSdTsCbyiySfKEN2zGqzrbjNE0N83aOAGjZeHDV2CPe6njhj1lcwrOQW8ElGrB5P9UjcYQHNyDfrRZWBNgN0m0/w640-h426/IMG_3542.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>With the two IMSA Series stealing much of the airtime this weekend with their visit to the bumps of the Sebring International Raceway, there is still much to keep an eye for from other Aston Martin Racing powered teams across the world as well.<br /><br />Starting in France, the Ultimate Cup Series opens their 2024 account within their opening race weekend from the Circuit Paul Ricard which also hosts the opening salvo’s of their new AMR Trophy class.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQanf2v9HeHjs6krEcZa0Kyz_nnLf8EHEdkzsjyILsNq2isCexaP3KMPQqHkBdq1sKOUT8oFOjook4ficmWqzst5wHj44HtxK8Mq4x3xN5ziNGWqH2_lDJ69CSbM2r980nzPzP3da1k9NUSpTSe5hw5MjKixDvd4o6WlOkVdXENo-TdKkQ5PwG-DOHY7nw/s960/IMG_3548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="960" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQanf2v9HeHjs6krEcZa0Kyz_nnLf8EHEdkzsjyILsNq2isCexaP3KMPQqHkBdq1sKOUT8oFOjook4ficmWqzst5wHj44HtxK8Mq4x3xN5ziNGWqH2_lDJ69CSbM2r980nzPzP3da1k9NUSpTSe5hw5MjKixDvd4o6WlOkVdXENo-TdKkQ5PwG-DOHY7nw/w640-h510/IMG_3548.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Incorporated into the existing Sprint GT Touring rounds, this opening round has attracted two such AMR Vantage GT4 cars from the Portuguese Racar Motorsport team and their driving crews of Ruben Vaquinhas and Roberto Faria aboard the #777 car and Mathieu Martins and Antonio Lopes aboard the #09 car.<br /><br />This weekend will bring the twenty-two strong mixed class grid four twenty-five-minute races around the Mistral circuit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjQmz_R_Y7Awn3mrHqcFuBijeyeIeDHIz6zbUe0PjgrYXkP4Jc5Qjp1WcT4JY6L5U0rxJ1KdjqXSG760jaydPipuIGqGoyM-ibvezprQackS8ATDLx6vpIoJhnJ1jshjCK9lgDUsrtKbVmhNdoqUqfJ-UtK3Ukq24EhPJxtv7e1vUj9DulHg4x6Hg_BZS/s960/IMG_3528.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="960" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjQmz_R_Y7Awn3mrHqcFuBijeyeIeDHIz6zbUe0PjgrYXkP4Jc5Qjp1WcT4JY6L5U0rxJ1KdjqXSG760jaydPipuIGqGoyM-ibvezprQackS8ATDLx6vpIoJhnJ1jshjCK9lgDUsrtKbVmhNdoqUqfJ-UtK3Ukq24EhPJxtv7e1vUj9DulHg4x6Hg_BZS/w640-h420/IMG_3528.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Then over in Japan, we have Tomonobu Fujii and Marco Sorensen pairing up for the first time within D’Station Racing’s new Vantage GT3 as they embark upon their first full Super GT Official test together at the Okayama circuit before the opening round of the season there this time next month.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsoBVCSBj7PbCwFtUAmcCz8lDkJeO8nLzJ5jvS8WukzrNAm8SaoBA8MYVToJORymZny2Va3Y1BOZYTItiGhJz2AxiKFuL4vaPBRBTBLhOC14bVOvwUWiRrMIgMOZNDKO3BaLUQqxuFgccqYbaI43RiLY8bvfYBLPnWqTh1jW0MokGq7D1dQm6wxAkZ0At/s960/IMG_3541.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsoBVCSBj7PbCwFtUAmcCz8lDkJeO8nLzJ5jvS8WukzrNAm8SaoBA8MYVToJORymZny2Va3Y1BOZYTItiGhJz2AxiKFuL4vaPBRBTBLhOC14bVOvwUWiRrMIgMOZNDKO3BaLUQqxuFgccqYbaI43RiLY8bvfYBLPnWqTh1jW0MokGq7D1dQm6wxAkZ0At/w640-h426/IMG_3541.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Previous tests have meant for Fujii to test alone due to Sorensen’s extremely busy 2024 schedule.<br /><br />Not too far away from then in Sepang, the latest AMR Partner team in FHK Racing are about to embark upon their first ever race within tehir new AMR Vantage GT3 as drivers Francois Beziac, Heremana Malmezac and Jono Lester continue to ready themselves for this weekend’s event.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZedAoyD8SEbOq9_fau1lJScll0qH2CQDHRwH8GJxG64aWJjic2oVWXwHdy7q5Emu7rOm1vChLXWLPMBwbzznFVFU1Hmw76TLwL0sKS9d-XGvBZ3fuYAelPCBoGFxfoRoEmglrVU06RukxVD6dvcIBWSV3x5vdJRWsDNo6zOK1VwwsUt5ulRJzMzheFn9/s960/IMG_3546.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZedAoyD8SEbOq9_fau1lJScll0qH2CQDHRwH8GJxG64aWJjic2oVWXwHdy7q5Emu7rOm1vChLXWLPMBwbzznFVFU1Hmw76TLwL0sKS9d-XGvBZ3fuYAelPCBoGFxfoRoEmglrVU06RukxVD6dvcIBWSV3x5vdJRWsDNo6zOK1VwwsUt5ulRJzMzheFn9/w640-h426/IMG_3546.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Usually associated with Porsche machinery, questions of where this New Zealand based squad will compete next or whether this was a one-off event with the Aston Martin are at the forefront of our minds. Only time will tell there!!</div><div><br />And finally, midweek testing for many teams has just come to an end as notably, the Racing Spirit of Leman team were out at Nogaro this week with at least one of tehir new 2024 40A specification Vantage GT4’s whilst young lady racer Logan Hannah was out testing with the GPA Racing team and Baudouin Detout in their older 17A version of the Vantage GT4 at the same venue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-wKMQ5qknH-IFqQdiACqU5MbCGWFRda8AoE_rytt6SSoe2IoU_-VgeNv6c4elKD-uWdXSLn6u2tSCTBG-72l5vfJM2mFy8xr76XgwDQhN9JEqjAABz603Ut-Rv4Hk7hndybJsYdsrovBgVBe8_J-KFInb_KjuYCI-kHCt8y-i3Jzhov-MU6zMYAKN_rO/s960/IMG_3551.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="960" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-wKMQ5qknH-IFqQdiACqU5MbCGWFRda8AoE_rytt6SSoe2IoU_-VgeNv6c4elKD-uWdXSLn6u2tSCTBG-72l5vfJM2mFy8xr76XgwDQhN9JEqjAABz603Ut-Rv4Hk7hndybJsYdsrovBgVBe8_J-KFInb_KjuYCI-kHCt8y-i3Jzhov-MU6zMYAKN_rO/w640-h570/IMG_3551.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />Then at Misano in Italy, the Comtoyou Racing team were back out with one of their new AMR Vantage GT3’s with their diverse driver squad expected to take part within the GT World Challenge Endurance and Sprint Cup rounds this year.<br /><br />Photo credits – Teams / social media</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-6010115850363220282024-03-13T16:24:00.004+00:002024-03-13T20:58:25.933+00:00AMR GTD teams look forward to 12Hrs of Sebring<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBYXNtmj2qdqwrwVPOKxVMbZJcxFp1__xK9ZnZS-MxTrIxZRJEMPoEtTtYw2w_PQpPSwBAeI3athyLhyphenhyphen7qu5yRDK1fu1W46qJ-agU7tfighuf9HaEZxeuUhAAWARv6LItH7Xh2SmtAVEgVcQabD8B9tswx39p3Z5yLOUVqFKFbZljZekeWU4qywDYOPrr/s960/IMG_2827.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBYXNtmj2qdqwrwVPOKxVMbZJcxFp1__xK9ZnZS-MxTrIxZRJEMPoEtTtYw2w_PQpPSwBAeI3athyLhyphenhyphen7qu5yRDK1fu1W46qJ-agU7tfighuf9HaEZxeuUhAAWARv6LItH7Xh2SmtAVEgVcQabD8B9tswx39p3Z5yLOUVqFKFbZljZekeWU4qywDYOPrr/w640-h360/IMG_2827.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The brand-new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and GT4 return to racing action this weekend as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA) gathers at Sebring International Raceway for one of North America’s most prestigious endurance events; the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, in Florida.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvzsXznjl3cvLZ_esBXIhBQwSQ-5zRy1AmwPtzCqNcJyaWQm85RIM4mAh-DJvPcBb2o2eRbWXoh4JW9I1RZ5ksRazAIufFMSJB1qpD1qS4iaLDyGWj-mZmY-P9s2rpaW4vWV_SaRHJN529QMPQ_YpvfMw0P_1Wqnpdszxi24kCb0kEd_X0TZGFS12OEPM/s2048/IMG_2656.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvzsXznjl3cvLZ_esBXIhBQwSQ-5zRy1AmwPtzCqNcJyaWQm85RIM4mAh-DJvPcBb2o2eRbWXoh4JW9I1RZ5ksRazAIufFMSJB1qpD1qS4iaLDyGWj-mZmY-P9s2rpaW4vWV_SaRHJN529QMPQ_YpvfMw0P_1Wqnpdszxi24kCb0kEd_X0TZGFS12OEPM/w640-h426/IMG_2656.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Three examples of the new Vantage GT3 – which made a successful international competition debut at the series-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona in January prior to its official unveiling in February – will contest Sebring. Aston Martin Racing’s partner teams, US-based the Heart of Racing and Magnus Racing, seek to build on the car’s encouraging fourth place in the season opener as well as the fantastic LMGT3 class double-podium finish recorded by HoR and D’station Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship curtain-raiser in Qatar earlier this month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfXeSuwXNcxdOIAGQn5GglM81wRiSIF7htIUwHXv_eRANfk899kaeprgMeVg0RRPf1rEm8zP2mIG6CmsL94CnvjXXQJdsdUjQB1FobycROjGn1gct9ARA7W_ztD185jk4Nyfs-xW1QxIUdlTEpb4vb80BnUU7rfnkwN_4GxXBukDFC9oJlqx7C0YuOF0y/s960/IMG_2706.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfXeSuwXNcxdOIAGQn5GglM81wRiSIF7htIUwHXv_eRANfk899kaeprgMeVg0RRPf1rEm8zP2mIG6CmsL94CnvjXXQJdsdUjQB1FobycROjGn1gct9ARA7W_ztD185jk4Nyfs-xW1QxIUdlTEpb4vb80BnUU7rfnkwN_4GxXBukDFC9oJlqx7C0YuOF0y/w640-h426/IMG_2706.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Works AMR driver Ross Gunn makes his fourth start in the Sebring 12 Hours as the Briton joins GTD Pro race-winner Alex Riberas and HoR’s new signing Mario Farnbacher in the team’s #23 GTD Pro entry; the sole Aston Martin in the class, which led at Daytona and finished fourth on its debut.<div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsSSNIEUkFlJZE5ATXapSE_9Fc_0Z9opF6C-Vq__BIzLNkIPr3NXv1oqAewUJSdYUirGL0nyMbdsbLT47CcfaJkBpCn2QDev7W4EQPKhPargpMSdMqkXwHxuQ65iyDQDGqMkAS1aNRd42DupjH0fRZPmazsPQrQz-dcNFHqQJPU7RmVG1VbET0tv0HGdB/s960/IMG_2623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsSSNIEUkFlJZE5ATXapSE_9Fc_0Z9opF6C-Vq__BIzLNkIPr3NXv1oqAewUJSdYUirGL0nyMbdsbLT47CcfaJkBpCn2QDev7W4EQPKhPargpMSdMqkXwHxuQ65iyDQDGqMkAS1aNRd42DupjH0fRZPmazsPQrQz-dcNFHqQJPU7RmVG1VbET0tv0HGdB/w640-h426/IMG_2623.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The sister #27 GTD class HoR Vantage GT3 also led its class at Daytona and some of its crew head into Sebring aiming to add to their glittering list of Aston Martin accolades. The 2022 IMSA GTD champion Roman De Angelis, was also the 2021 IMSA Sprint Cup title winner and was victorious in the 2023 Rolex 24 alongside team principal Ian James, who he shares a car with again this weekend. The duo has finished on the GTD podium twice at the bumpy former airfield venue, placing second in 2019 and third in 2020. Both drivers will be joined by 2021 GTD class winner Zacharie Robichon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3SE5vGWlPSZNemYNjo74ois810X3bLwXa6gPsk0AGi1ZxpbmohgYR9qyPb04Hu_yWoatNgeNT5ikonj2UynvG9uK-4aEGIJp1NDsRj94rQsPHN9FiI7TbsmPch6tFjBL5RRazPppiM-E2nuuYUh3JVfRhTWPoBiM-A8KxX6vIKOazVzzCF_xPcF6yjHK/s960/IMG_2654.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="960" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3SE5vGWlPSZNemYNjo74ois810X3bLwXa6gPsk0AGi1ZxpbmohgYR9qyPb04Hu_yWoatNgeNT5ikonj2UynvG9uK-4aEGIJp1NDsRj94rQsPHN9FiI7TbsmPch6tFjBL5RRazPppiM-E2nuuYUh3JVfRhTWPoBiM-A8KxX6vIKOazVzzCF_xPcF6yjHK/w640-h478/IMG_2654.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Magnus Racing is no stranger to victory at Sebring either, having won the GTD class on its race debut in 2014. A decade on and the squad, which specialises in IMSA’s endurance events (Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta) is chasing victory again with team owner John Potter and his American compatriots Andy Lally and Spencer Pumpelly.<br /><br />Source material - AMR<br /> <p></p></div></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-58304225060065651852024-03-13T14:51:00.002+00:002024-03-13T14:51:23.804+00:00Two young Prosport Racing driver line ups confirmed within the GT4 European Series<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx0ORWN5t3PfMTKdUSAqQJo13CghCJFqjMnnJYY41gRia0nqobt45aPSrXmEy1BNAkddcypYFuyYRNljfK4Y1mVyhSincaydn1apLP1DxdOwXSUtz8Deb5XKvOISXPG_Un9idQTZiX82V0TOmqItnGToguHAyEOHmIyx3lzPFeqgYGy08gh9XCifJirFf/s2500/1F1A5090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx0ORWN5t3PfMTKdUSAqQJo13CghCJFqjMnnJYY41gRia0nqobt45aPSrXmEy1BNAkddcypYFuyYRNljfK4Y1mVyhSincaydn1apLP1DxdOwXSUtz8Deb5XKvOISXPG_Un9idQTZiX82V0TOmqItnGToguHAyEOHmIyx3lzPFeqgYGy08gh9XCifJirFf/w640-h426/1F1A5090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The GT4 European Series continues to go from strength to strength ahead of this season’s six round calendar as the German based Prosport Racing become just the latest in a long line of teams confirming the participation.<br /><br />Today saw the Christoph Esser team confirm another two car Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 entry with an even younger line up than usual as two times ADAC GT4 Germany Series winner Hugo Sasse splits from his usual cohort of Mike David Ortmann to partner the younger Raphael Rennhofer in one car whilst Henrik Still partners GT newcomer Fabio Rauer.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHvB9JJks0UqsXBuLSHCdb9Y0OtVim73ZOOkzuEj634SwKqxkti0Dblo6R451fTtsYQ5-nV5Tsv0bsRJte4YLavKYyLA7BzTeqOZFLIWAIzJ-EgllHAY6S2hAlon85XhXkMtbZJ8cCeMSXjNq_Der_1zjmFPSuzO7HjqdKJZXoC32T4515T7xjBncoaxF/s1920/DTM423_080516370627352JB_JB_txf5fj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHvB9JJks0UqsXBuLSHCdb9Y0OtVim73ZOOkzuEj634SwKqxkti0Dblo6R451fTtsYQ5-nV5Tsv0bsRJte4YLavKYyLA7BzTeqOZFLIWAIzJ-EgllHAY6S2hAlon85XhXkMtbZJ8cCeMSXjNq_Der_1zjmFPSuzO7HjqdKJZXoC32T4515T7xjBncoaxF/w640-h426/DTM423_080516370627352JB_JB_txf5fj.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Rennhofer we may remember, debuted with the team last year in the latter stages of the ADAC GT4 Germany Series whilst Still comes across to the Aston Martin GT4 platform with full experience of GT4 racing within a Porsche. Rauer meanwhile comes straight to GT4 from Karting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiDO0PkRc-4KnEQzFziAekTQw6HxZjAxGHkOKqsQE05vEAWKOXlBiUMyfwB0xwuZWeTuuj4URNSmQ3ARF7awOmNYxl09pQUP3wB0iqV1ZevGv0fLKwVJhTYf7NJtVluDwQ5ZZJxJKAPM8zqW7CB2NaThpCD0lDeZi4i7YSBntY5poN1IrNea0hhlExPY_/s4096/GIjZFpmXEAAhOGN.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="4096" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiDO0PkRc-4KnEQzFziAekTQw6HxZjAxGHkOKqsQE05vEAWKOXlBiUMyfwB0xwuZWeTuuj4URNSmQ3ARF7awOmNYxl09pQUP3wB0iqV1ZevGv0fLKwVJhTYf7NJtVluDwQ5ZZJxJKAPM8zqW7CB2NaThpCD0lDeZi4i7YSBntY5poN1IrNea0hhlExPY_/w640-h426/GIjZFpmXEAAhOGN.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />They join the likes of Mirage Racing, GPA Racing and Racing Spirit of Leman who have already confirmed similar entries into the series that starts at Paul Ricard in early April.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits – Team / Series</span></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-57544847444630251392024-03-13T12:47:00.001+00:002024-03-13T12:47:15.249+00:00Six AMR Vantage GT4s at Michelin Pilot Challenges visit to Sebring<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eDs5syT3NHwmGVCd0_PxUI88HEWCiOjS4AA_Q8qGjj3Baq9Pci2oBp8ZSDoCVvS3jhglk3ZmN9haXiXsDs7_Ndym1XyCDT69KZ-gEXTdOJyIDys-NSduaGi4S6BzHtyjTjlYWSjibph4tB14wUXuA-XLx_1giUuDvLOLvvJL2mzGejFDQTHSffFXlk6p/s2560/pitman_MSM_IMSA_Roar_20240120_P2_0948-Edit-topaz-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eDs5syT3NHwmGVCd0_PxUI88HEWCiOjS4AA_Q8qGjj3Baq9Pci2oBp8ZSDoCVvS3jhglk3ZmN9haXiXsDs7_Ndym1XyCDT69KZ-gEXTdOJyIDys-NSduaGi4S6BzHtyjTjlYWSjibph4tB14wUXuA-XLx_1giUuDvLOLvvJL2mzGejFDQTHSffFXlk6p/w640-h426/pitman_MSM_IMSA_Roar_20240120_P2_0948-Edit-topaz-scaled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Whilst we had five Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4’s take part in the second round of the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge around the hybrid airfield and street circuit that is St Petersburg last weekend, we look forward to six such cars taking part within the second round of the Michelin Pilot Series this weekend around the airfield circuit of Sebring International Raceway.<br /><br />With that, three such teams endure a busy double header weekend with taking part in both race weekends as the Rebel Rock Racing, Van Der Steur and Archangel teams join those from the Team TGM and Automatic Racing teams for this weekend’s action.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9YG40qk2NI-McyRHaFF_UlPwm47bQjGNVszuYl2UPjWObF3FeTs-y3KIbTbAFkyh6WKZy7_sgUWjoTrbcHnJ3y4-ZZiVzNqlztFHYlWKmEkTOEEJYBeIt_9oJqDHTTGSbcPtLPgXFrsPwafc12cFimnfTOKjHd0pFFWkT3rZVT6oYXdMSmQoZU_3RAXv/s680/GEzqRHAXIAAfQow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="680" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9YG40qk2NI-McyRHaFF_UlPwm47bQjGNVszuYl2UPjWObF3FeTs-y3KIbTbAFkyh6WKZy7_sgUWjoTrbcHnJ3y4-ZZiVzNqlztFHYlWKmEkTOEEJYBeIt_9oJqDHTTGSbcPtLPgXFrsPwafc12cFimnfTOKjHd0pFFWkT3rZVT6oYXdMSmQoZU_3RAXv/w640-h428/GEzqRHAXIAAfQow.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Last time out for the series at the IMSA season opener around Daytona in Late January when that four hour race became a typical ‘first day at school’ for many but that gave the #46 TGM car of Owen Trinkler and Matt Plumb the opportunity to overcome pain and injury (from Trinkler’s point of view) to grab third overall by the end with the sister #64 car of team boss Ted Giovanis, Hugh Plumb and Kris Wilson to take a Bronze Cup win for a team double podium celebration too.<br /><br />The entry list, however, shows Paul Holton aboard the #46 car in lieu of Trinkler, so there is a story to be told there.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnrToEk6y8kD1Zd4gZyuGmaKwznC9NbGuqwxPsKIehlF-IKHIm9kHahq4jMTvoAJJuL2GyUwDuY29C1Oj97x4N6LGsn-ojFoZGr5Lr185OeljArYO2ZSdfX_JEdAMVrEKQaX2B951k5GbR6O1Pp4sKn13wG8nzUUDaO0cQOTfRBkfSXl_-lnOZLmLv4ts/s680/GEzqRHEXQAAl-Hi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="680" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnrToEk6y8kD1Zd4gZyuGmaKwznC9NbGuqwxPsKIehlF-IKHIm9kHahq4jMTvoAJJuL2GyUwDuY29C1Oj97x4N6LGsn-ojFoZGr5Lr185OeljArYO2ZSdfX_JEdAMVrEKQaX2B951k5GbR6O1Pp4sKn13wG8nzUUDaO0cQOTfRBkfSXl_-lnOZLmLv4ts/w640-h428/GEzqRHEXQAAl-Hi.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The #71Rebel Rock Racing team with drivers Frank DePew and Robin Liddell again return as sole runners of the new 2024 AMR Vantage GT4 after the opening round presented the team with the expected new race car gremlins to start to come home with the next AMR best finish in P9 although DePew did suffer more issues around the streets of St Petersburg last weekend for a disappointed debut within that series (having had to sit out round one at Daytona due to the lack of spares).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH9EEzELYWHoATK-Ci3D3gBfURhRZ9R5YQGk_RXLlwqMWuZljNwTUFLH5ri9NRspu7Fppx-jmSILE6Ad3uB1yNDF0I6ix7DU7GnaQFaiuNm5Kl8whcf8xBEzSHXU36lBT3HsLhJw1_PLhHHmPMBK9FiMncajgN3M6i91VIqQUCVYf9D1Iubv5PPdbxo8l/s960/IMG_2875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="960" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH9EEzELYWHoATK-Ci3D3gBfURhRZ9R5YQGk_RXLlwqMWuZljNwTUFLH5ri9NRspu7Fppx-jmSILE6Ad3uB1yNDF0I6ix7DU7GnaQFaiuNm5Kl8whcf8xBEzSHXU36lBT3HsLhJw1_PLhHHmPMBK9FiMncajgN3M6i91VIqQUCVYf9D1Iubv5PPdbxo8l/w640-h478/IMG_2875.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The #88 Archangel car of Todd Coleman and Aaron Telitz return after Coleman finally got in some decent lap times last weekend at St Pete’s after their disastrous start to the season after contact lead to time penalties and repeated visits to pit lane to make repairs and serve their penance for track and pit lane violations. This race cannot go any worse that that so the only way for these guys is up!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmvuXTYd2AbEw93pY0-xqWGqrpq6JidKs7GbbEONXhz5VDGXXDL7PR66uyZpgy2889seKWQt6XVzPb5AsiOL07AAJjDRIyUeDajZjzqNpjsv_duxoycFiEW6eGHgDsCzmKzopzIBV0Ls1d7iMC0FIWL9OXKyw9kvvLClAe8JYJhnIGbd4cE5Qtm9nXYW4/s702/IMG_2366.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="702" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmvuXTYd2AbEw93pY0-xqWGqrpq6JidKs7GbbEONXhz5VDGXXDL7PR66uyZpgy2889seKWQt6XVzPb5AsiOL07AAJjDRIyUeDajZjzqNpjsv_duxoycFiEW6eGHgDsCzmKzopzIBV0Ls1d7iMC0FIWL9OXKyw9kvvLClAe8JYJhnIGbd4cE5Qtm9nXYW4/w640-h388/IMG_2366.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The #19 Van Der Steur car of Rory Van Der Steur and Valentin Hasse Clot is now down to a two-driver entry after a third driver (Dominic Starkweather) was present at Daytona where the trio finished just outside of the top ten in P11, so both remaining drivers will be looking for something more around the bumpy track of Sebring.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAl7UBsZWYgo57Ar8IAn8qCPqNRx67nAMLWr9Xb6GcZuL7HRBbAhp-w9VSSjKYTWwWIGb73bqOWSGa92YS3nU0SnXK_dfJl18IdppUxkij2WBpOqfPNL0uSChlfxbPDgBGIq_EJBi8skPC11_DLADq4FJY-8N0YLrlLEymEXI3K-dnhY2Xn9J8cP5SMy2/s960/IMG_2407.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="960" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAl7UBsZWYgo57Ar8IAn8qCPqNRx67nAMLWr9Xb6GcZuL7HRBbAhp-w9VSSjKYTWwWIGb73bqOWSGa92YS3nU0SnXK_dfJl18IdppUxkij2WBpOqfPNL0uSChlfxbPDgBGIq_EJBi8skPC11_DLADq4FJY-8N0YLrlLEymEXI3K-dnhY2Xn9J8cP5SMy2/w640-h564/IMG_2407.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />That leaves the #09 Automatic Racing entry for the Stoner Car Care crew of Rob Ecklin and Ramin Abdolvahabi as they too ran out at Daytona for a P16 overall finish – that this time within the Bronze Cup sub class as they were running with Brandon Kidd at the time. For Sebring, they are back within the Bronze Cup runners.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zl7g9Lq9U-ioDFBDM91SiiWQ0UgGCtUThj08tnp1jhIl6DH9sWwskQVEtejvSNYkU8Mi1iLcDopI95WHwyQjMhofKzpecj3ImlFcMHvZVLfMrx139xaflL5zhs25f0-rvEsfePCw5l-xcxmzkL3gJxyDJl9WC9VX7Vx2anG9pqJjTDozE_zrwPGHpAMJ/s901/IMG_3238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="901" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zl7g9Lq9U-ioDFBDM91SiiWQ0UgGCtUThj08tnp1jhIl6DH9sWwskQVEtejvSNYkU8Mi1iLcDopI95WHwyQjMhofKzpecj3ImlFcMHvZVLfMrx139xaflL5zhs25f0-rvEsfePCw5l-xcxmzkL3gJxyDJl9WC9VX7Vx2anG9pqJjTDozE_zrwPGHpAMJ/w640-h314/IMG_3238.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Sebring’s race, this Friday afternoon will be back to the series usual two-hour race length around the 3.74-mile circuit. The entry list shows twenty-six GS (GT4 based cars) running with another fourteen TCR based entries.<br /><br />The race is waved off at 15:15hrs local.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits – Teams / social media / H Pittman</span></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-28613559061743706562024-03-13T11:08:00.004+00:002024-03-13T12:52:29.376+00:00A rain soaked British GT Media Day still brings out the smiles<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTOH2PT0yQ2VEqkFRxMX5UieY4py9OuisocKJakyf-qyojDW2jARdsJ89O6A425Mst5EN5ETSuS-hxy0iezrrDEfZDxZQ6TJOVepAN6245SsPovDyMMBiwIPhxtcNQ5Akt0Y9ohEo9r0p5jf0zlGTWEh-RCmpfgH_-HtjB9i4q9sy0BLrYPWX3PuNfz1P/s2308/_U8E7035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="2308" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTOH2PT0yQ2VEqkFRxMX5UieY4py9OuisocKJakyf-qyojDW2jARdsJ89O6A425Mst5EN5ETSuS-hxy0iezrrDEfZDxZQ6TJOVepAN6245SsPovDyMMBiwIPhxtcNQ5Akt0Y9ohEo9r0p5jf0zlGTWEh-RCmpfgH_-HtjB9i4q9sy0BLrYPWX3PuNfz1P/w640-h412/_U8E7035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Having seen another healthy grid of over thirty-six cars as well as an increased Aston Martin Racing powered participation this year, this season’s British GT Championship kicked off with its annual Media Day from an unfortunate rain soaked Donington Park Circuit.<br /><br />Despite this, the paddock car parks had already filled nicely with a large crowd already milling around the back of the garages and team trailers as the first of three track sessions slowly go underway.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsq6fX-cRmCO9OJRn47O08OJcFQtflhniFaBv3YoUBcVfIqgDZYFm-_lrHO3ugnAmXT6RilfrX6BODqYiNUffdZZkoVHqkpy7kBPUjvm8EAYm4X1RZaFlkec9_S-DSyTyPZc2QDWzRx4ZUq7T5JJj4XY5quJTSuu4nECTWpTaOsT6li3YTSzToDfnKYbw/s2448/_U8E6592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="2448" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsq6fX-cRmCO9OJRn47O08OJcFQtflhniFaBv3YoUBcVfIqgDZYFm-_lrHO3ugnAmXT6RilfrX6BODqYiNUffdZZkoVHqkpy7kBPUjvm8EAYm4X1RZaFlkec9_S-DSyTyPZc2QDWzRx4ZUq7T5JJj4XY5quJTSuu4nECTWpTaOsT6li3YTSzToDfnKYbw/w640-h426/_U8E6592.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Whilst the rain was at its most persistent, none of the Forsetti Motorsport, Blackthorn Motorsport nor Beechdean AMR teams felt it necessary to risk the cars in such atrocious track conditions, although many did as the Championship never runs in ideal conditions throughout its seven-venue season.<br /><br />The first race of the year had of course already been done as the Norfolk based Forsetti team had managed to leg it back from Barcelona from where they and their drivers Mikey Porter and Jamie Day had secured all three available Championship wins within the GT4 Winter Series. To conclude that by mid Sunday afternoon and then be ready in the Donington paddock with two AMR Vantage GT4’s on Tuesday was a feat in itself!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOgS_Fl3992cywNqlgYAQqaV53-cqPFVd4jBeI4e1F8ljcjW6YoqvFf_DMMW71momtxwReeeJqtIV4YSOi_pLD6R4ELJCESY2a3vHvATAozoox3oNI9GV_6D5qVk4mQgvHqqtRBUkoM7YnNP5DCf9MSrcncmewqx8FMi7ET_937KkfOLbxw2CHrBdPr5F/s2201/_U8E6577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2201" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOgS_Fl3992cywNqlgYAQqaV53-cqPFVd4jBeI4e1F8ljcjW6YoqvFf_DMMW71momtxwReeeJqtIV4YSOi_pLD6R4ELJCESY2a3vHvATAozoox3oNI9GV_6D5qVk4mQgvHqqtRBUkoM7YnNP5DCf9MSrcncmewqx8FMi7ET_937KkfOLbxw2CHrBdPr5F/w640-h412/_U8E6577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />This team would be fielding both 17A and 40A versions of the Vantage GT4 for the purposes of the Media Day as drivers Marc Warren and Will Orton awaited delivery of their new 40A car some time ahead of next week’s Oulton Park test ahead of the opening rounds of the season at that venue over the Easter weekend. Whilst both crews would circulate, each would get seat time within the new car with their older cars now destined for further racing within the British GT Sup Championship.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHbckepUljHnOTejdLtAZT0rDZ4Bye0q2WDsCQetXh0CH2sje1hCSDiGnPd-u82qTZ7a_t1x4yPnSazR9Nc0QZ-kaYMOTXdQBquQx3uLD70-FhzI1j9Hr9dDTS0uEPJepQCb4WdLFQ1uJJCjptAZaYk0wgq7_yzlrvQAIqQJqjqBDoJZUSRZ4LmNIXXRe/s1943/_U8E6898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1943" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHbckepUljHnOTejdLtAZT0rDZ4Bye0q2WDsCQetXh0CH2sje1hCSDiGnPd-u82qTZ7a_t1x4yPnSazR9Nc0QZ-kaYMOTXdQBquQx3uLD70-FhzI1j9Hr9dDTS0uEPJepQCb4WdLFQ1uJJCjptAZaYk0wgq7_yzlrvQAIqQJqjqBDoJZUSRZ4LmNIXXRe/w640-h424/_U8E6898.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />A few garage bays along, we had the Blackthorn Team who were also supporting both 16A and 38A versions of the AMR Vantage GT3 for much as the same reasons as Forsetti (in awaiting delivery of cars and conversion kits as in the case for the #87 car) whilst the team’s #10 16A car had already been converted to the new 2024 specification.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV08wKLt8zASPAbVsfVR4OstcUGnYJSMoE8NwbJ-rhFSw1sni9XXipQXlhRJoKJTGMLwOPIkyYU4_lS-GtdF7rCZH62vybcCCu5QKS0voqCc3ll5TAU4_8uS0kC7xtNVlDMYlPEQCoT5hJ1bsCmkvpH0VTlowW7nHsYInh5HTGNtsKfnQRxUsRn8zi_544/s2592/IMG_0728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2592" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV08wKLt8zASPAbVsfVR4OstcUGnYJSMoE8NwbJ-rhFSw1sni9XXipQXlhRJoKJTGMLwOPIkyYU4_lS-GtdF7rCZH62vybcCCu5QKS0voqCc3ll5TAU4_8uS0kC7xtNVlDMYlPEQCoT5hJ1bsCmkvpH0VTlowW7nHsYInh5HTGNtsKfnQRxUsRn8zi_544/w640-h426/IMG_0728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />For much of the morning, the presence of just Matt Topham and Josh Rowledge with their #10 car were obvious within the team’s garage as it turned out that Italian racer Giacomo Petrobelli was still on business in London and he would be making his way up to the circuit to meet up with his co-driver, Jonny Adam for the afternoon sessions.<br /><br />With rain having eased slightly and the Forsetti crews already out in track within their GT4’s, the #10 Blackthorn car of Rowledge was prepared for its first run of the day however, disaster struck only halfway around their out lap as panicky messages were heard over the team radio of big contact being made at the same time as the days first red flag was waved. What that turned out to be was some perhaps ‘over exuberance’ on that out lap that took the #10 car off track and into the tyre wall by itself.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_iIQmAIkLGlRrUxgb_wx2lFqWdDKz89hQ2a9SsbfDotw1nzp8IOCn1R7fCZ6rqEYY8jiiF5iyj7Z1kwBI6OQoVItNLVMNiHXJvfJ1lujKqQnl-RTlMkFAHMumVg56Dr1mlZ2Qzm0L39NbjxdV23eSu0L8fjkNwbi6GG_WjUka85zqnGQU2s7P-6oWuqf/s4032/IMG_3345.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_iIQmAIkLGlRrUxgb_wx2lFqWdDKz89hQ2a9SsbfDotw1nzp8IOCn1R7fCZ6rqEYY8jiiF5iyj7Z1kwBI6OQoVItNLVMNiHXJvfJ1lujKqQnl-RTlMkFAHMumVg56Dr1mlZ2Qzm0L39NbjxdV23eSu0L8fjkNwbi6GG_WjUka85zqnGQU2s7P-6oWuqf/w640-h480/IMG_3345.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />By the time the car was returned to the garage (with the driver already having been confirmed as OK), the damage first appeared cosmetic to the redefined aero panels of the rear half of the car, but the trouble was that the team didn’t have any of the panels available to them such was the supply shortage still from AMR Prodrive factory. There was also unseen damage to the car with and for the case of Topham and Rowledge – their day was already done. <br /><br />That left the blue and black #87 car of Petrobelli and Adam – a car that co-incidentally was the Vantage GT3 that Topham owned and raced at the Portimao round of the British GT Championship last year alongside Marcus Clutton with Enduro Motorsport. Transferring ownership of the car to the team was apparently part of the deal that Topham had struck with the team so both Vantage GT3’s will be 16A conversions once both get completed in time for next week’s Oulton Park test (such was the plan prior to yesterday’s damage).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qWFIP044ymoaD5ZuKVMp1_Ayg_3gTVd0h6JKu7EiJRVS2Q4iNcch6tjoGMWKmSC5YTDjIaG5-w8_IDCKXPTAGOJhfMoPy_O597pdTZI2CDXEHam8zEd_LnOn_Q34PJ6diuBfK2WzmgSRVzLAnSz3eL2MzgVB__fQbhhYO8_OBWuxha3qaQ1e2nKaSF4-/s2592/IMG_0817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2592" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qWFIP044ymoaD5ZuKVMp1_Ayg_3gTVd0h6JKu7EiJRVS2Q4iNcch6tjoGMWKmSC5YTDjIaG5-w8_IDCKXPTAGOJhfMoPy_O597pdTZI2CDXEHam8zEd_LnOn_Q34PJ6diuBfK2WzmgSRVzLAnSz3eL2MzgVB__fQbhhYO8_OBWuxha3qaQ1e2nKaSF4-/w640-h426/IMG_0817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Finally, but by no means least, saw Andrew Howards Beechdean AMR team return to the Championship for their umpteenth season – also sporting the test and development 16A Vantage to new 38A 2024 specification but with a whole new package for this year.<br /><br />Gone has their usual Pro-Am status to run within the relatively new Silver-Am class as Aston Martin F1 Ambassador Jessica Hawkins joins Howard within the #97 car as confirmed just last week.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KEu6n9v7BJlcgRLe-ckYLBD2pZi1YLG5pQlQWOdU3Ka-njjDNqI0Upx_7MeX5roDfrQdm5XyFmM_xGTmFsYAmrFaq7siZ72xq9ayXLpw2Vwdr-PspnYpY-f2g2f11bztTmq-Ly8S_n1r8ltzaqDYDHZeX3rhnzagiE1IIyJp0417xNugwy4vPttzCGu8/s2448/_U8E6684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="2448" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KEu6n9v7BJlcgRLe-ckYLBD2pZi1YLG5pQlQWOdU3Ka-njjDNqI0Upx_7MeX5roDfrQdm5XyFmM_xGTmFsYAmrFaq7siZ72xq9ayXLpw2Vwdr-PspnYpY-f2g2f11bztTmq-Ly8S_n1r8ltzaqDYDHZeX3rhnzagiE1IIyJp0417xNugwy4vPttzCGu8/w640-h426/_U8E6684.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />As well as class and co-driver this season comes a new livery that is apparently in homage to an Aston Martin DBR that Le Mans.<br /><br />With Howard very familiar of the risks of going out on such a wet track so early into the season, the team did spend much of their time with the comforts of their garage during the morning and only venturing out as and when track conditions had improved. The car was also blighted by an apparent mis functioning sensor within the engine compartment that kept necessitating quick returns to the pit lane for data analyses and inspection.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh_lWCW06iXmRBjBzfZMCyBmmJ0v2QC0cE2uAAjNSTohwKv3m_bUrPL4dyhrks6rNxxPGrUsncfe0TEQI6onwIrhQOdv3M0-0heK1hG85OX0ID9Hs1jkGSPVDgKWOXw4Yx-oPGntnKnFampKc3CLeXBm59ixKEH8YMyyVu4UVJHLanFpOEdhBsxtcL4j5/s2088/_U8E7091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2088" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh_lWCW06iXmRBjBzfZMCyBmmJ0v2QC0cE2uAAjNSTohwKv3m_bUrPL4dyhrks6rNxxPGrUsncfe0TEQI6onwIrhQOdv3M0-0heK1hG85OX0ID9Hs1jkGSPVDgKWOXw4Yx-oPGntnKnFampKc3CLeXBm59ixKEH8YMyyVu4UVJHLanFpOEdhBsxtcL4j5/w640-h410/_U8E7091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="2448" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YUvATn8caGko9GRsqt3P9rr66M9uDkjPKHJ8cvYDkY0R1JCwAJvyD7_yVyQq7IUbLYJGgU3-4rqKXEIM7l_EQto04v2Xlkrq21lPyHIGC41nKRpRx0NCS_pAh14tKwvVogo3oIeH0UvvXzPTvPB0CdYF_BvaNFnORX0lrYNJYZbT8gUDm7GbUmrVNA_4/w640-h426/_U8E7163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vy4uwFUAzXTo8xQEbJ2lRkTBSQBBuOn3MvHBALVbez7sBXIPnnGNQUzLNUIRD5mxqQg0ATJpITZTtg5zit-0zJJmBfXbgEt7yZK6AXtLe_BuGZ4b6yeJA4iRciFv6CMtMcJBijWE-7u7v5KdO5TXkxq3Agx0Tk9-3hbK6V0VwYxJk6cPxq8wFJWzaloh/s2132/_U8E7060.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2132" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vy4uwFUAzXTo8xQEbJ2lRkTBSQBBuOn3MvHBALVbez7sBXIPnnGNQUzLNUIRD5mxqQg0ATJpITZTtg5zit-0zJJmBfXbgEt7yZK6AXtLe_BuGZ4b6yeJA4iRciFv6CMtMcJBijWE-7u7v5KdO5TXkxq3Agx0Tk9-3hbK6V0VwYxJk6cPxq8wFJWzaloh/w640-h426/_U8E7060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01fx6a9iwAqPATPk3fZMV6SKTT6JIJrf7PVzPRQE8DYw4jF4jSVOZeAo0tRvO_HwL1WqlL_LjYBbAmkW9MdPwmJ6UWNbprnAkTd2Ga23MMLvOnwwl1c10kmpLaGysGjgnR-1-ojTCyj8bmYdmiYbKcX0sNiYuDYq6Bti7Np2JLvQi98oqe_LpV3Hl8sLc/s4032/IMG_3382.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01fx6a9iwAqPATPk3fZMV6SKTT6JIJrf7PVzPRQE8DYw4jF4jSVOZeAo0tRvO_HwL1WqlL_LjYBbAmkW9MdPwmJ6UWNbprnAkTd2Ga23MMLvOnwwl1c10kmpLaGysGjgnR-1-ojTCyj8bmYdmiYbKcX0sNiYuDYq6Bti7Np2JLvQi98oqe_LpV3Hl8sLc/w640-h480/IMG_3382.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD9R3kF4WIhyphenhypheniqxpmydXtfplEM9aGQxBjoPXdpM7ktQtbnwBwqGGFN44pSmI-tmU_EFhsF_d-f8Q8O4KMVPAAKTqc3XNxuuOMo4qXOF7hK-yBwOzY4j2i_pjacJsLN4bkPnYlFyyR9pxiaGd-CBnRpcUN7YsuwJssoRtLLqY2Wvqtdsx9K0Q3QzQEXisb/s4032/IMG_3325.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD9R3kF4WIhyphenhypheniqxpmydXtfplEM9aGQxBjoPXdpM7ktQtbnwBwqGGFN44pSmI-tmU_EFhsF_d-f8Q8O4KMVPAAKTqc3XNxuuOMo4qXOF7hK-yBwOzY4j2i_pjacJsLN4bkPnYlFyyR9pxiaGd-CBnRpcUN7YsuwJssoRtLLqY2Wvqtdsx9K0Q3QzQEXisb/w480-h640/IMG_3325.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>By the time the afternoon sessions had started, the team had appeared to have remedied that issue to allow (particularly) Hawkins more significant track time within the #97 before they too attend Oulton Park next week.<br /><br />All in all (and despite the unfortunate incident with the #10 car) it appeared to be a productive day most as whilst many had already been out testing and racing around Europe since the new year, some had not and Oulton Park with a busy grid is never the best place to start your season rusty!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Game on.</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-35330338461594456592024-03-12T08:00:00.038+00:002024-03-12T08:00:00.136+00:00Now is British GT Media Day O-Clock!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElH93Br6XoHWGD3tAj0xJq7fMZuMUxNn4AbC8mNi3BjKZu4DLPwSrofEdgobyAwYFBAQPiifqLDa9XzEd2jdxuHC-oXe0_QMcLLYZhDn8m5IlxNBvPzxzgCz4L7faM_ye-p7dK50dPC5CfquxVLahJ3DSYD4yP-Hx7SjAUCJ_115OsqJKVFHnozBJMixT/s960/IMG_3162.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="960" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElH93Br6XoHWGD3tAj0xJq7fMZuMUxNn4AbC8mNi3BjKZu4DLPwSrofEdgobyAwYFBAQPiifqLDa9XzEd2jdxuHC-oXe0_QMcLLYZhDn8m5IlxNBvPzxzgCz4L7faM_ye-p7dK50dPC5CfquxVLahJ3DSYD4yP-Hx7SjAUCJ_115OsqJKVFHnozBJMixT/w640-h460/IMG_3162.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Today is where 2024 starts properly for us at The-Advantage as we look forward to another British GT Media Day from Donington Park with all five Aston Martin Racing powered full season entries teams due to be in attendance.<br /><br />The 2024 season of the UK’s top GT series again takes place against another massive, near equally balanced field of thirty-six cars (plus one race by race entry known about so far) with three AMR entries confirmed within the GT3 class and two within GT4.<br /><br />Except for a few familiar (multiple) British GT Championship winning names in Andrew Howard, Jonny Adam and Matt Topham, we will be welcoming a few more back to the BGT paddock (albeit within an AMR garage this time around for most) as well as new names and faces to what we refer effectively as #TeamAMR.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUHzEJleBb8vak5Zbokf5LtUkHYOI6LcYM7iBuH6EUe2mwsHwfyL4xkEIMo_ab_GUOlAjvXRMtLtBxNiRVTM5w8kxAFMi0KQZXA68ugP4mMeMc6umqE6iiNGr38mddkOeN_ng1yKMtxY-8IoeFZgZBwSR8sLV6ihQUzhAciy2NFeHdNRBxj9TBYIBf5ez/s7544/Aston2-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5032" data-original-width="7544" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUHzEJleBb8vak5Zbokf5LtUkHYOI6LcYM7iBuH6EUe2mwsHwfyL4xkEIMo_ab_GUOlAjvXRMtLtBxNiRVTM5w8kxAFMi0KQZXA68ugP4mMeMc6umqE6iiNGr38mddkOeN_ng1yKMtxY-8IoeFZgZBwSR8sLV6ihQUzhAciy2NFeHdNRBxj9TBYIBf5ez/w640-h426/Aston2-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />We have already heard how Howard will be racing with Jessica Hawkins this time around within the #97 Silver-Am class whilst Jonny Adam returns seeking his record extending Championship winning streak within the #87 Blackthorn Motorsport team alongside Italian racer Giacomo Petrobelli whilst former GT4 Pro-Am Champion Matt Topham finally steps up to a full season of GT3 racing alongside Josh Rowledge in the #10 Blackthorn Motorsport Silver-Am entry.<br /><br />Then in GT4, the new wonders that are Forsetti Motorsport appear with a two-car entry for their drivers Mikey Porter and Jamie Day in the Silver classed #7 entry along with both Marc Warren and Will Orton within their #47 Pro-Am entry.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia_clrC9jJxdI_6B-q7UQaroOKjD5_edPJ1tojHKmmAHiHwda2Qy8hunGVZ-Ly8pw_ByeOr6Hl5-GhckoNvczSi80C_I59zf-WRz7jmbPD6b29DbQ4mQ-OeaUKThsePKV0Ao80Rj09n5giG0poSI_i2mb6Mb9yTX8_1-IMkozCElXzgr7LKQPj3kESuVB/s960/IMG_3267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="960" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia_clrC9jJxdI_6B-q7UQaroOKjD5_edPJ1tojHKmmAHiHwda2Qy8hunGVZ-Ly8pw_ByeOr6Hl5-GhckoNvczSi80C_I59zf-WRz7jmbPD6b29DbQ4mQ-OeaUKThsePKV0Ao80Rj09n5giG0poSI_i2mb6Mb9yTX8_1-IMkozCElXzgr7LKQPj3kESuVB/w640-h456/IMG_3267.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />News from the Championship organisers overnight have however confirmed that both the Forsetti and Blackthorn Motorsport teams will be fielding both EVO and pre-EVO specification of Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 and GT3 cars respectively as they wait delivery of both new cars prior to the opening round at Oulton Park over the Easter weekend. That also confirms that both their #7 and #10 cars will be the new 2024 models.<br /><br />Photo credits – D Gibson / D Buergin / social media</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-59475174968475010502024-03-11T21:02:00.001+00:002024-03-11T21:02:07.241+00:00FHK Racing get in some pre-event testing at Sepang<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe81-ud73Q6sMAPq82dU1KMM0umg5J1vCPkxcDypFeiqEXOYwmWO5Q4v0uSwuZA5D4FCbc8yHoviQ0EYjw6qDo0Qo4yckakS5rp8A7jwOrtMffcOA64JCY7r9JQIpc3Tq8PNIUlZq7L3PxpFkKXT4pZJ10oVZF-OohkfOHuRExXSk_sny1Y0d6_SEPy2d/s960/IMG_3253.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="960" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe81-ud73Q6sMAPq82dU1KMM0umg5J1vCPkxcDypFeiqEXOYwmWO5Q4v0uSwuZA5D4FCbc8yHoviQ0EYjw6qDo0Qo4yckakS5rp8A7jwOrtMffcOA64JCY7r9JQIpc3Tq8PNIUlZq7L3PxpFkKXT4pZJ10oVZF-OohkfOHuRExXSk_sny1Y0d6_SEPy2d/w640-h632/IMG_3253.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Early indications appear to prove that Kiwi racer, Jono Lester very much approves of the new 2024 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 as he and his fellow FHK Racing team embark upon some pre-event testing in Malaysia.<br /><br />Only confirmed last week sees the team convert from their usual Porsche powered entries to compete in this month’s upcoming Sepang 12Hrs event, testing with the car for the first time today at the Sepang International Circuit earned the car the comment of “I love this car” in between track sessions.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9uvHT2orgcEQmOYl5NHcLIZZC83eRC03RgVz1yRonm2i4wSrY20cPRVt2jnpE2rj1kjj1OS0dY85KbXPtHuNIgPbZOH6VwHLqraBHDRkK9azvzRW1MxsEl7cHbnYEk9c0V3fwLcksxL3lC8PqO4PbSD67oAvdPyXD5Syl0CRdh3waX2Zq3RDuYf7PNz-/s960/IMG_3246.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="960" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9uvHT2orgcEQmOYl5NHcLIZZC83eRC03RgVz1yRonm2i4wSrY20cPRVt2jnpE2rj1kjj1OS0dY85KbXPtHuNIgPbZOH6VwHLqraBHDRkK9azvzRW1MxsEl7cHbnYEk9c0V3fwLcksxL3lC8PqO4PbSD67oAvdPyXD5Syl0CRdh3waX2Zq3RDuYf7PNz-/w640-h586/IMG_3246.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Lester will be joined by both Francois Beziac and Heremana Malmezac within the car.<br /><br />Photo credits – Social Media</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-12085309024638318282024-03-09T20:44:00.000+00:002024-03-09T20:44:02.712+00:00Forsetti - return as multiple Champion winners within the GT4 Winter Series<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCb1ake3vP06e83DtnLRkOFhM3ehn6f5_SvclkGSFOnSiPd622vvYrRhiaZenpi2rkmxCF4zZPn5CqjRVxtBF5ImTugjSn93YIspSnvxA-PXqFrtlhGs48qqfpycQsuoUBCOn-lCf-LfrgsUnvp4LU2dhuDMQY4W7fAubDki-MEO1yYSmdDwaijPdkfjv/s960/IMG_3242.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="960" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCb1ake3vP06e83DtnLRkOFhM3ehn6f5_SvclkGSFOnSiPd622vvYrRhiaZenpi2rkmxCF4zZPn5CqjRVxtBF5ImTugjSn93YIspSnvxA-PXqFrtlhGs48qqfpycQsuoUBCOn-lCf-LfrgsUnvp4LU2dhuDMQY4W7fAubDki-MEO1yYSmdDwaijPdkfjv/w640-h554/IMG_3242.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />They went to Spain and Portugal this winter as a new team, eager to learn and gel as such as they all learned their ways around each other and their Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4’s but instead, they came away with more than they had bargained for.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning (Sunday), the Forsetti Motorsport team with young drivers Mikey Porter and Jamie Day will wake up as 2024 GT Winter Series Overall and Team Champions as Saturday’s opening sprint race was enough for them to clinch both Championship wins with still two races remaining.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpprZFfDVUbr7HlS63G9xcnv0-E2Zqv2aP-n823CYvhRkSsHrWFxhHzx9W96CKnYEXsLNerH9969beNm6PImHcgpOtwYFH1HogafyC1xcReGJK5tbEJdVnKe_Wjf0n2Zwr4DJArHsjs_Z0bnGs4ZOmRtgxXQmcjzRQSn69neC6GTSkmKSnujR8j-sEPrX/s960/IMG_3243.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpprZFfDVUbr7HlS63G9xcnv0-E2Zqv2aP-n823CYvhRkSsHrWFxhHzx9W96CKnYEXsLNerH9969beNm6PImHcgpOtwYFH1HogafyC1xcReGJK5tbEJdVnKe_Wjf0n2Zwr4DJArHsjs_Z0bnGs4ZOmRtgxXQmcjzRQSn69neC6GTSkmKSnujR8j-sEPrX/w640-h640/IMG_3243.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />With the rain firmly over the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona it was fitting that their youngest driver (Porter) did what was necessary of him during the heavily rain affected opening sprint race to the weekend to come home immediately behind their Mercedes AMG GT4 rivals to seal the deal with the Overall and Team Championships leaving Sundays final sprint race for Day and the season concluding Endurance race to see if the Norfolk based team come away with the triple by securing their Pro Class title as well.<br /><br />Whatever happens on Sunday, next week will be the beginning of yet another steep learning curve as the team has also entered two 2024 AMR Vantage GT4’s into the British GT Championship for both </div><div>Day/Porter as well as Will Orton and Marc Warren.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kspQD7xKbrJwSH-mxn42fr8PQ41zujTACxgN9v0uNXA5PTrps09Yx2lHXwuQqd_WLqHqU5GH4H2X37T6vNZpbc99_aIYM5k4cqU96QruwV8Tiyk4wTmPElDGWq87OrqvH4AU3LZ7zMr82tTOt1NdB9yek68RY4VI9ItP5je8lF2RwmJVMkuBfngX6rqb/s960/IMG_3141.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="960" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kspQD7xKbrJwSH-mxn42fr8PQ41zujTACxgN9v0uNXA5PTrps09Yx2lHXwuQqd_WLqHqU5GH4H2X37T6vNZpbc99_aIYM5k4cqU96QruwV8Tiyk4wTmPElDGWq87OrqvH4AU3LZ7zMr82tTOt1NdB9yek68RY4VI9ItP5je8lF2RwmJVMkuBfngX6rqb/w640-h468/IMG_3141.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Media Day is Tuesday at Donington so we will see just who arrives for that from the team next week.<br /><br />Photo credits – Daniel Buergin / Team</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-59430170399564169762024-03-09T16:53:00.002+00:002024-03-09T16:53:42.813+00:00No big changes as the three IMSA Aston Martin Vantage GT3 crews gear up for 12Hrs of Sebring<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLughV71AWMzamAj2_NLKKpc7iThanOyan0fSBLPRUHX8nHlQSCL8iTnjRvpRHbxwU4a7wz4jKbqwFAMvEtmZe7oZ_2YQpW-9vMAy3BrmINj36EWsCZNzyNm3DaTvBj1OMcEZkvRW8dVjeC_Chs_SIla7w1-Jz6Las3uG9Y4mXmk93PscgXgWwo5J8zk8Z/s1440/412371530_18405931459010252_7657486429342731412_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1440" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLughV71AWMzamAj2_NLKKpc7iThanOyan0fSBLPRUHX8nHlQSCL8iTnjRvpRHbxwU4a7wz4jKbqwFAMvEtmZe7oZ_2YQpW-9vMAy3BrmINj36EWsCZNzyNm3DaTvBj1OMcEZkvRW8dVjeC_Chs_SIla7w1-Jz6Las3uG9Y4mXmk93PscgXgWwo5J8zk8Z/w640-h428/412371530_18405931459010252_7657486429342731412_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>No surprises within next weekends Weathertech Sportscar Championship entry list as far as the Aston Martin Racing powered teams are concerned as the IMSA series will make its way to Sebring.<br /><br />Having already endured the opening 24-hour race of the season from Daytona at the tail end of January, the Endurance Cup rounds continue with another gruelling twelve hours of racing around the notoriously bumpy and challenging Sebring International Raceway.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bt9LV3joE7A0Qo3zpE71FKnPrLclSas_ndpQ6vDnDjIUGPDTev0SM9bGIYWpmYmD_u888zotyz5r6_podBWZylODzaNoRg1mIakWtWPZW19clfWrwOS47dW0WD55B8HCDRk_6p2VxtWZSfRc5eOSeQFk7kFoHPcnCfMmMBoOfXGIBdtA3DU5P_4rGWFv/s960/IMG_2365.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="960" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bt9LV3joE7A0Qo3zpE71FKnPrLclSas_ndpQ6vDnDjIUGPDTev0SM9bGIYWpmYmD_u888zotyz5r6_podBWZylODzaNoRg1mIakWtWPZW19clfWrwOS47dW0WD55B8HCDRk_6p2VxtWZSfRc5eOSeQFk7kFoHPcnCfMmMBoOfXGIBdtA3DU5P_4rGWFv/w640-h418/IMG_2365.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The provisional entry list confirms a fifty-eight-car entry spread amongst the GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro and GTD classes with both the Heart of Racing and Magnus Racing teams featuring within the latter two classes.<br /><br />Whilst the Rolex 24 from Daytona can with disappointing conclusions for both the #27 Heart of Racing and #44 Magnus Racing GTD entries, the #23 GTD Pro effort from Heart of Racing did at least recover from their tail end qualifying position to finish just off the podium in P4 at the end. This race did of course represent the first competitive contest for the new 2024 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu_IdVY2D5LkOpn4CxpavVqg9tN7pq2F5mJXModmFM17FEIrS59msMVirGKZqpMixftXPL2cRxqUcsStkbjKJd7hIMr7xLVB5YOXoeq-0eefoIb4X4AUkpytPcvBAYa7RXXASmGcHzNKusc4rIop8gCkrghFe1QX9-iMf8kywTdazOaLvTfdwmSb1WH3u/s960/IMG_2706.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu_IdVY2D5LkOpn4CxpavVqg9tN7pq2F5mJXModmFM17FEIrS59msMVirGKZqpMixftXPL2cRxqUcsStkbjKJd7hIMr7xLVB5YOXoeq-0eefoIb4X4AUkpytPcvBAYa7RXXASmGcHzNKusc4rIop8gCkrghFe1QX9-iMf8kywTdazOaLvTfdwmSb1WH3u/w640-h426/IMG_2706.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />The only difference within crews competing this time around is within the #27 Heart car as Marco Sorensen will be pre-disposed in Japan where he will be testing along with the D’Station Racing AMR team at their final Japanese Super GT test at Okayama. That means that the #27 car will be piloted by just Roman de Angelis, Ian James and Zacharie Robichon. <br /><br />The #23 GTD Pro effort from Heart of Racing meanwhile, well they will remain with their season opening group set of drivers including Ross Gunn, Alex Riberas and Mario Farnbacher so far as the endurance rounds are concerned and for as long as Riberas’ World Endurance Championship commitments allow.<br /><br />Finally, but certainly by no means least, the Magnus Racing AMR effort will also drop back down to their usual trilogy of drivers as Nicki Thiim again takes a back seat leaving just John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly and Andy Lally to guide the #44 AMR around the bumps of the former wartime airbase.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1WU5tUkHil14idOtA22FS_fYEDt-tzH-5TeiI8CR8pd8oPHxf8ZRyQtBhhxB5TgGzeU9gq9KKPI59u-ib5Kx_5zGv7Wgp02YAitm3MFPVhatkHr8-px_17WssSWDOYMG0XlMaR41r7xqfPYNqVDg622JUYPsoqW_4fCMmAJGQARnTsFHn8eRpzm4nyvn/s960/IMG_2535.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="960" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1WU5tUkHil14idOtA22FS_fYEDt-tzH-5TeiI8CR8pd8oPHxf8ZRyQtBhhxB5TgGzeU9gq9KKPI59u-ib5Kx_5zGv7Wgp02YAitm3MFPVhatkHr8-px_17WssSWDOYMG0XlMaR41r7xqfPYNqVDg622JUYPsoqW_4fCMmAJGQARnTsFHn8eRpzm4nyvn/w640-h418/IMG_2535.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Technically speaking, the Vantage GT3 sees an increase to its available engine power as sweeping Balance of Performance changes are mandated across the GTD Class. Thats offset however by three less litres of fuel capacity whilst others like the Porsches and BMW see wholesale weigh increases plus loss of power. </div><div><br />Track action for these guy starts next Thursday with the first Free Practice session before Qualifying on Friday and a 09:40am (Local) race start on Saturday.<br /><br />Photo credits – D Gibson / J Price / Teams</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-23135251549426868422024-03-07T09:35:00.001+00:002024-03-07T09:35:13.349+00:00New generation of Vantage GT race car looking to continue fine things in British GT<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU3hh85nHOSWAa4P-ITp9OM6pJjlcMbu0zulAE5ARRmUs2kzfqj7ckuBcoktkrGljk0bLoLR1Ga43zbtl808Bll-XqjXQcTH_IjRij_sUMXZacvqDPm0qg0054J_CPpeZhw0eDWcHJ5TkXrI1H4YzYn3b2vpPkT_9FqzQ6EfyuiVwTRu6NOIaLHIgPSgM/s7544/Aston2-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5032" data-original-width="7544" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU3hh85nHOSWAa4P-ITp9OM6pJjlcMbu0zulAE5ARRmUs2kzfqj7ckuBcoktkrGljk0bLoLR1Ga43zbtl808Bll-XqjXQcTH_IjRij_sUMXZacvqDPm0qg0054J_CPpeZhw0eDWcHJ5TkXrI1H4YzYn3b2vpPkT_9FqzQ6EfyuiVwTRu6NOIaLHIgPSgM/w640-h426/Aston2-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Aston Martin Racing aims to extend its phenomenal legacy of success in the British GT Championship as it joins forces with partner teams Beechdean AMR, Blackthorn Racing and the newly-created Forsetti Motorsport, to bring five brand new Vantage GT3 and GT4s to four classes during 2024.<br /> <br />Among the headline acts participating in this formidable line-up will be Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team® Head of F1 Academy and Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins, who makes her British GT Championship debut when the series begins at Oulton Park (29 March – 1 April). She joins six-time class champion Beechdean AMR alongside team owner and series veteran Andrew Howard as the duo make an assault on the Silver-Am class with a brand-new Aston Martin green Vantage GT3.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTztE3-mJopD94JLbvaX0KxUcSMrfT8G24tH6I8muxpaX1CEZBj78WLYFqYzLTBZbTqxpa3EU8lTzx8OL31cKtH1KhWuSYwmdcilNhzwukHH5PxSgW9-_4MPHhN21XEgyfkCm9MNzoPpB9wGZopBbu4yj3J1LtFHaxA_g_bDXl1_yJiPmQSf5-vTSbkJUE/s3000/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Top_Front_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTztE3-mJopD94JLbvaX0KxUcSMrfT8G24tH6I8muxpaX1CEZBj78WLYFqYzLTBZbTqxpa3EU8lTzx8OL31cKtH1KhWuSYwmdcilNhzwukHH5PxSgW9-_4MPHhN21XEgyfkCm9MNzoPpB9wGZopBbu4yj3J1LtFHaxA_g_bDXl1_yJiPmQSf5-vTSbkJUE/w640-h426/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Top_Front_1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Hawkins, who tested an Aston Martin Formula 1® car in Hungary last year, is a W Series podium finisher and a race-winner in the TCR UK series. The 29-year-old was also one of several drivers entrusted with testing the new Vantage GT3 during its development over the winter.<br /> <br />“I’m very excited to be making my debut in the British GT Championship with Beechdean AMR,” said Hawkins. “The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is a beautiful racing car and is already proving in other series that it has the inherent performance to be a very serious contender. To be able to race this car while combining my duties with Aston Martin F1, is not only an excellent next step in my racing career but also a great opportunity to gain valuable experience as an endurance driver. Beechdean AMR is an excellent team with a great heritage. I can’t wait to get started.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKkOq8MM4Dlf6PxKQDz6xc21DHEqLcdBvb5QUH13HAttWZSzbctfE-FCpOfw9jdQYmd7TiHWizL60EkCQmmiMsJ-7IBR_FblOI51lmZgdnp6fudrIbzNbcCEaEO_MNs467BYzWEfCm3MvzvUkb_8MNhQqbYUcl2aIo_6sQYDuFOlSjca5Dzhvg-q6d0ML/s3000/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Front_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKkOq8MM4Dlf6PxKQDz6xc21DHEqLcdBvb5QUH13HAttWZSzbctfE-FCpOfw9jdQYmd7TiHWizL60EkCQmmiMsJ-7IBR_FblOI51lmZgdnp6fudrIbzNbcCEaEO_MNs467BYzWEfCm3MvzvUkb_8MNhQqbYUcl2aIo_6sQYDuFOlSjca5Dzhvg-q6d0ML/w640-h426/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Front_3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />For Beechdean AMR, one of Aston Martin Racing’s most loyal partners, this season marks the 17th consecutive campaign with the British marque nationally or internationally. In that time, as well as becoming the first team to win a championship with Vantage (in 2013) - it has claimed titles with each generation of Aston Martin’s ultra-luxury sportscar thus far, seven in total, including the 2016 European Le Mans Series.<br /> <br />Blackthorn Racing makes its full-season debut in the BGT this season running two Aston Martin Vantage GT3s; one in the top Pro-Am class and the other in the Silver-Am class. British GT legend Adam will be joined by experienced Italian GT racer Giacomo Petrobelli who has previously raced Vantages twice in British GT appearances in recent years.<br /> <br />For works AMR driver Adam, this is a chance to challenge for an unprecedented fifth title in his 12th full season in the series since 2011. The Scot is tied for the overall race wins record with 19, but nobody else can claim four championship titles, all achieved with four different co-drivers and three different teams.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xLjUQ4gkp5io1a9EeWMzSyEjKjceygfBBZwx4PetfIuQMkObFgR6qBSWoMvX2fm20E9q3sOtbH9boD59xBzv9yZNmqCn6qiPxJMqUbk7I9VMB2aO0lW0SGLS5S-SXcnMwID-doJTliTavhLP3pqmk40LvLctzl3kq6tYwwNUgwDM9fLj1yheagvw9cDv/s680/GHfmC-8XsAA0eXU.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xLjUQ4gkp5io1a9EeWMzSyEjKjceygfBBZwx4PetfIuQMkObFgR6qBSWoMvX2fm20E9q3sOtbH9boD59xBzv9yZNmqCn6qiPxJMqUbk7I9VMB2aO0lW0SGLS5S-SXcnMwID-doJTliTavhLP3pqmk40LvLctzl3kq6tYwwNUgwDM9fLj1yheagvw9cDv/w640-h360/GHfmC-8XsAA0eXU.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />“I am really looking forward to joining Blackthorn Racing for this year’s British GT Championship and lining up with a very good FIA Bronze-rated driver in Giacomo Petrobelli,’ said Adam. “I believe with the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 underneath us we have all the ingredients to challenge for race wins and push towards a championship assault. British GT is always super competitive but as a team we are excited by the potential of the package and Oulton Park can’t come soon enough!” <br /> <br />Another multiple Aston Martin champion, Matt Topham, will spearhead Blackthorn’s Silver-Am assault as the two-time British GT GT4 Pro-Am champion shares a Vantage GT3 with British rising star Josh Rowledge.<br /> <br />Forsetti Motorsport is one the newest teams to the Aston Martin Racing fold, having only formed last November. Nevertheless, it has ambitious targets, which include chasing two class titles with its brace of brand-new Aston Martin Vantage GT4s. Running in the GT4 Silver category machine will be GT4 class race winner Jamie Day and 16-year-old Mikey Porter while Marc Warren – a champion in various other GT series – and William Orton will challenge for the GT4 Pro-Am crown. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2QbA5_2T8GOTuqz1MY7LPSN2ZvQjqIdk-SEIqZOOtz6npohQHnbeo9pgs_-RbQF8YOvQC-dRKcg5MBtI2SAmAxHgTgiXTOkEsEP7gq0tcaLwPoFUR7jA6ZaIyvL30xy_RE_WRz9xScBkfoufRbmMFHZZM5ThtXRUPL45oNADjD7rUn9Kh1q7hsA337Jg/s960/IMG_3165.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="960" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2QbA5_2T8GOTuqz1MY7LPSN2ZvQjqIdk-SEIqZOOtz6npohQHnbeo9pgs_-RbQF8YOvQC-dRKcg5MBtI2SAmAxHgTgiXTOkEsEP7gq0tcaLwPoFUR7jA6ZaIyvL30xy_RE_WRz9xScBkfoufRbmMFHZZM5ThtXRUPL45oNADjD7rUn9Kh1q7hsA337Jg/w640-h474/IMG_3165.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport said: “Aston Martin has won no less than 23 titles from various classes over its tenure in the British GT Championship. We look forward to seeing what success our new Vantage GT3 can bring to bear on this great heritage. Alongside Beechdean AMR, Aston Martin has been responsible for contributing to the careers of some great champions of the brand like Darren Turner, Jonny Adam, Ross Gunn and Jamie Chadwick. It’s therefore the perfect launch platform for Jessica Hawkins to begin her endurance racing career, and in Andrew Howard she has an experienced driver and team owner to draw vital knowledge from. Jonny’s attempt to win an unprecedented fifth title will be well assisted by Blackthorn Racing, and we could wish for no-one better to carry our hopes and the team’s through 2024. We would also like to welcome Forsetti Motorsport to the AMR family and wish the team every success with their impressive and ambitious GT4 programme this season.”<br /> <br />Since the British GT Championship was formed in 1993, Aston Martin has taken 59 overall class victories, while Vantage’s victory tally in its various iterations currently stands at 47. The championship begins at Oulton Park on 29 March – 1 April. It then visits Silverstone (26-28 April), Donington Park (23-26 May), Spa-Francorchamps (21-23 Junes), Snetterton (12-14 July), Donington Park (5-8 September), before finishing up at Brands Hatch on 28-29 September.<br /><br />Source material - AMR</div><div>Photo credits - D Gibson / D Buergin / Team</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-66044600472335472832024-03-07T09:00:00.009+00:002024-03-07T09:00:00.138+00:00Beechdean AMR back in British GT but with a whole new package<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZVbg9j28sPVZgyTc0Ui5Car01lKB1Anwx4edx69BTQnuXTqDB46ms51PgiAOr5ae2qR7JK_Lwo1KSusKQWi8TK6S16tu1ZqhE6WuNA295YFK0EP5yth27KAhJQwxo-3-ENjZIcTGNwZ783IzKTHr65k7FkQXKTRzcI7NhTe2g-xpRqv6f2c1gnS4qQTl/s5401/Aston%203-edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3601" data-original-width="5401" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZVbg9j28sPVZgyTc0Ui5Car01lKB1Anwx4edx69BTQnuXTqDB46ms51PgiAOr5ae2qR7JK_Lwo1KSusKQWi8TK6S16tu1ZqhE6WuNA295YFK0EP5yth27KAhJQwxo-3-ENjZIcTGNwZ783IzKTHr65k7FkQXKTRzcI7NhTe2g-xpRqv6f2c1gnS4qQTl/w640-h426/Aston%203-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Whilst watching their social media countdown over the last week or so of all their cars, drivers and successes within the British GT Championship, todays confirmation from the Beechdean AMR team coming back for some more of the same within their domestic GT arena came as no surprise – although the driver pairing certainly did!<br /><br />For this season, Andrew Howard will be partnered by someone more familiar nowadays within the F1 Paddock as former W-Series racer and now brand ambassador within the Aston Martin F1 team, Jessica Hawkins steps up to GT3 racing within the British GT Championship for the first time.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JLAUBdeORXXEUzCqamlyAKrLHY8i3v8ZIfYXZRnmvTA14CPa5hvC1NVB_Gx1wlYwMhSO5LxkQJ2obgIt0A6ggnc6agRkC2ecnrfVEl8Lfpl6uI0V7PSyUIuuep32qVTlKtKeYmX1izo-I2_EJwn83-CghnWl1DORVN8I_ZbjROlhSHpPFNt3cMpoSMJd/s1944/6E0I7614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1944" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JLAUBdeORXXEUzCqamlyAKrLHY8i3v8ZIfYXZRnmvTA14CPa5hvC1NVB_Gx1wlYwMhSO5LxkQJ2obgIt0A6ggnc6agRkC2ecnrfVEl8Lfpl6uI0V7PSyUIuuep32qVTlKtKeYmX1izo-I2_EJwn83-CghnWl1DORVN8I_ZbjROlhSHpPFNt3cMpoSMJd/w640-h426/6E0I7614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Having been partnered by the likes of Jonny Adam and most recently last year with Ross Gunn, this new pairing places the latest 2024 generation of their #97 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 within the Silver-Am class for their first full season effort outside that of their usual Pro-Am status. <br /><br />The car that also features a revised livery for the new season.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXD_ZAg3tTWW9592cyI7lOUnZhkJTl1rGm11Bv1Rrk6jOPKuFGAJ5XmnvYh2du5v7f_l4faR3Cx_hSjjuPTdcKSFPu02MQdNfdKvekBoAWrmLaYUdqWz6dyGFSVzhSLN1fW5HQGz9f-cZ5O1NLjCOlgThwZWBQMTwIDzzgxDN-zQK85RP4qXUqEfkjZv4/s1052/IMG_3189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXD_ZAg3tTWW9592cyI7lOUnZhkJTl1rGm11Bv1Rrk6jOPKuFGAJ5XmnvYh2du5v7f_l4faR3Cx_hSjjuPTdcKSFPu02MQdNfdKvekBoAWrmLaYUdqWz6dyGFSVzhSLN1fW5HQGz9f-cZ5O1NLjCOlgThwZWBQMTwIDzzgxDN-zQK85RP4qXUqEfkjZv4/w584-h640/IMG_3189.jpg" width="584" /></a></div><div><br />“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to race in British GT this year with Beechdean AMR and Aston Martin,” said Hawkins. “British GT is a series I’ve seen close-up while racing in other series in this paddock and it’s made me want to get involved with GT racing on a regular basis. <br /><br />“To be able to do it with a championship-winning team like Beechdean AMR and to be able to combine it with my Aston Martin F1 role means it’s going to be a very busy season.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt7Vdrrgm8YvYfwoS5JZzEmRclALXCOAzxvqtJMbOIvIq-cf9ZqC9S5vOtv90xZXZw37tgH9woUog7LuZtbbchmgGrVCEqOSeFZThxW4ZcJbEVLZqHwcOzsXGNTKJ0eaP4V7QLAkQ3p_DINRh-YC1DHlDWoFKMAAhPYMKlOSF6SJ5KUqTIHlXSqlykZGN/s7544/Aston2-edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5032" data-original-width="7544" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt7Vdrrgm8YvYfwoS5JZzEmRclALXCOAzxvqtJMbOIvIq-cf9ZqC9S5vOtv90xZXZw37tgH9woUog7LuZtbbchmgGrVCEqOSeFZThxW4ZcJbEVLZqHwcOzsXGNTKJ0eaP4V7QLAkQ3p_DINRh-YC1DHlDWoFKMAAhPYMKlOSF6SJ5KUqTIHlXSqlykZGN/w640-h426/Aston2-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />With Howard already having sampled the new 2024 version of the Vantage GT3 on several occasions within its development cycle last year, he confirmed that the new car (which the test and development car was his car anyway) “was is the newest GT3 car on the planet and in what we’ve seen of it so far is an upgrade on the old car in every area, so I’m confident we’ll have a very good piece of kit underneath us with which to challenge for Silver-Am success. It all begins here.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQiTSBh1YGM73l5Pk_oNjT0grKIT5n69keU5y2sI2eIbDwbQq-2dRaNKmlw8cpqlp1I9-2HSwnTlSmQH3T_up3Qw5wSQig8oj8hvIDAeYwniPxRqIKzMeZyHpfDOpgRyKgHf9e64K3rCoB1_gxzwectBMah67-ORworL4ESGG4hTx5WvwCPaXykRdLKTC/s8091/Aston%20Rear-edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5397" data-original-width="8091" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQiTSBh1YGM73l5Pk_oNjT0grKIT5n69keU5y2sI2eIbDwbQq-2dRaNKmlw8cpqlp1I9-2HSwnTlSmQH3T_up3Qw5wSQig8oj8hvIDAeYwniPxRqIKzMeZyHpfDOpgRyKgHf9e64K3rCoB1_gxzwectBMah67-ORworL4ESGG4hTx5WvwCPaXykRdLKTC/w640-h426/Aston%20Rear-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Not knowing yet if the team will be at next week’s Media Day at Donington Park, the #97 Beechdean crew join that thankfully growing list of AMR powered entries (now up to five entries) within the Championship this season which kicks off as usual at Oulton Park over the Easter weekend.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits – Drew Gibson</span></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-90049463572996798142024-03-06T09:00:00.024+00:002024-03-06T09:00:00.139+00:00Second powerhouse GT3 entry from Blackthorn into British GT <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa_zciduNf2quK_aWmKhe-DcTcrsVtvOlD5dp5XO-prAI6iGecxGqLo43i7t67g84eP51so20b30cOwSQegljSEyycduzZdFYh14ptBFrEv9w6AsAIzACJXS3BaOJJC1FK3NyvoEAGCc2bJQ-NKtuYz6opd4KWQM-naLzeKpg093_OlNtkFq1CIVCR4W3/s3000/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Front_3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa_zciduNf2quK_aWmKhe-DcTcrsVtvOlD5dp5XO-prAI6iGecxGqLo43i7t67g84eP51so20b30cOwSQegljSEyycduzZdFYh14ptBFrEv9w6AsAIzACJXS3BaOJJC1FK3NyvoEAGCc2bJQ-NKtuYz6opd4KWQM-naLzeKpg093_OlNtkFq1CIVCR4W3/w640-h426/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Front_3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Whilst the #10 Blackthorn Motorsport British GT Championship announcement came with younger years on their side, todays second Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 announcement from the team certainly comes with experience and pedigree.<br /><br />Making a return to Britain’s top-flight GT Championship thankfully within one of AMR’s latest generation of car is former multiple GT3 Drivers Champion Jonny Adam who will this time pair up with another familiar face in Giacomo Petrobelli within the team’s #87 car.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PBzNCpWf7O1dV8LFHLJn96v9404nd23F1i7fLw5H1xqjmE1Cp8D22b7aScImInAAUzkfFCAv55PoGH3d0NU6D88EevwzJchfOIuBMJr-3eW4BL8_cvjv72VyxQ69pkyFMl9ysnC3WP-ymoT2-tLB8lb1tkhjP1dDJJUrgsQ-Fg549ZHKxzhimzBIAzuN/s2048/GH7HDxJbIAAKLhQ.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PBzNCpWf7O1dV8LFHLJn96v9404nd23F1i7fLw5H1xqjmE1Cp8D22b7aScImInAAUzkfFCAv55PoGH3d0NU6D88EevwzJchfOIuBMJr-3eW4BL8_cvjv72VyxQ69pkyFMl9ysnC3WP-ymoT2-tLB8lb1tkhjP1dDJJUrgsQ-Fg549ZHKxzhimzBIAzuN/w640-h426/GH7HDxJbIAAKLhQ.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />“I’m stoked to be back on the grid in the British GT Championship again, with Blackthorn AMR,” Adam said. “I have worked with Giacomo in the past and I think with the new Aston Martin GT3 and the Blackthorn team behind us we can certainly challenge for race wins and put up a good fight in the championship. The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 has been really enjoyable to drive in all of the development testing and I can’t wait for round one now at Oulton Park.”<br /><br />The experienced Italian Am class driver meanwhile, will be making his third return to the Championship having restricted his past involvement to that of the Silverstone 500 rounds back in 2020 and 2021 when he was with both Tom Canning and Charlie Eastwood respectively within one of TF Sport’s Vantage GT3’s.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSC75UP38x32aKhN5_jzQ058U_pF2AlfM3md-udKf6EXg9AWeMVso_pYwBLJtPDfAk1__Z8YHZ1NHaRuOTwomTUpB81LD9GCy8KN4rkVLs2W-lg8TLxlIPg0Ldb4VepISwZ4QiWC0cccIMBIekLjkCIA3TOO4yo4_hnlDs-YknbBineGjksatVak4316z/s5472/38-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSC75UP38x32aKhN5_jzQ058U_pF2AlfM3md-udKf6EXg9AWeMVso_pYwBLJtPDfAk1__Z8YHZ1NHaRuOTwomTUpB81LD9GCy8KN4rkVLs2W-lg8TLxlIPg0Ldb4VepISwZ4QiWC0cccIMBIekLjkCIA3TOO4yo4_hnlDs-YknbBineGjksatVak4316z/w640-h426/38-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />“I am really looking forward to being back in British GT with Aston Martin and Blackthorn, and to have Jonny as a team-mate,” added the Italian. “It looks like the championship has become even more competitive since I last drove in it, with lots of fast Am’s and factory drivers, but we are hoping to be fighting at the front.”<br /><br />As things stand this morning, this crew makes up the fourth Aston Martin Racing powered crew to enter this year’s Championship – the two recent announcements from Blackthorn in GT3 and the prior GT4 announcements from Forsetti Motorsport.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIfDhWLfSjDZJHmVtSMkeFA8djEoPzOmpsvTWNfjyX1cnJKwUVSSnXDj0mzQRVfX_nZNFbNyUdKIJmdR-6ft6BRBCuGDrTsApAxLz3trMovCKyW_DSMtTQUqLyA4m5ymHOQnOhJPuM7iCii6RgpyqxmBUedUf9D-cgh6_y6Stio8vXkc75iaqjtOzW73A/s3000/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Front_2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIfDhWLfSjDZJHmVtSMkeFA8djEoPzOmpsvTWNfjyX1cnJKwUVSSnXDj0mzQRVfX_nZNFbNyUdKIJmdR-6ft6BRBCuGDrTsApAxLz3trMovCKyW_DSMtTQUqLyA4m5ymHOQnOhJPuM7iCii6RgpyqxmBUedUf9D-cgh6_y6Stio8vXkc75iaqjtOzW73A/w640-h426/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_87_Front_2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Somehow, we think though that there may still be enough room for another one or two Astons?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo credits - Team / Jacob Ebrey / AMR</span></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-27020542714233650532024-03-05T17:00:00.003+00:002024-03-06T09:00:40.349+00:00Blackthorn AMR return to British GT with the first of a two car entry in 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6EGiPgjkyXhhAHug1AmBL8GG5PfgRjxmxRmBeWAvxPl2GWXRf7Uwh76O_8N_-K8sSUdN3rqgT_6qAqieSTI3YD87rsadetmnhIcfv7jftHOMYQGcjyu6RSQlEmiE29ibIB8bVjc2G2RqlYwVLvnjuuvQqPkPsrvT59fK2zmM90VeZfXpa-BkMXtfHmN2/s3000/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_10_Top_Front_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6EGiPgjkyXhhAHug1AmBL8GG5PfgRjxmxRmBeWAvxPl2GWXRf7Uwh76O_8N_-K8sSUdN3rqgT_6qAqieSTI3YD87rsadetmnhIcfv7jftHOMYQGcjyu6RSQlEmiE29ibIB8bVjc2G2RqlYwVLvnjuuvQqPkPsrvT59fK2zmM90VeZfXpa-BkMXtfHmN2/w640-h426/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_10_Top_Front_1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Just one week away from its Media Day at Donington Park we see the first of two Blackthorn Motorsport announcements concerning their new two car entry into this season’s British GT Championship featuring a diverse, but talented driver pairings.<br /><br />Today’s news features upon the team’s #10 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 line up that former British GT GT4 Pro-Am Champion Matt Topham will share alongside a young former Ginetta Junior Champion in Josh Rowledge within the Series Silver-Am class.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrHdfHlvSZhuNcyo2rhwaGJNaUaUxD7StjcqN_l_n5l_bEuqgyMag2675nGfpl88jOBlYWuUo3-Wrb_dO1k7NYQ044aZyJs4oikes6E4vZvL7Z4dRzojLz-CKaTkVQlXNUzus5k1Jrxmnstiv3faPZUk7YqTVcufFuO6fJm0Tk-3J0QiJgRzFgGcDYw12/s400/IMG_9344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="400" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrHdfHlvSZhuNcyo2rhwaGJNaUaUxD7StjcqN_l_n5l_bEuqgyMag2675nGfpl88jOBlYWuUo3-Wrb_dO1k7NYQ044aZyJs4oikes6E4vZvL7Z4dRzojLz-CKaTkVQlXNUzus5k1Jrxmnstiv3faPZUk7YqTVcufFuO6fJm0Tk-3J0QiJgRzFgGcDYw12/w640-h432/IMG_9344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Having successfully defended his own GT4 Pro-Am title with Darren Turner and Newbridge Motorsport in 2022, Topham took almost the whole of last season off for the exception of a couple of guesting appearances last season with Enduro Motorsport in both their McLaren 720S and his own 16A AMR Vantage GT3.<br /><br />This year, he steps up for a full season within the topflight GT3 class alongside a young Rowledge who impressed many in his debut year last season alongside Aston Miller in their DTO McLaren.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYliukhm95q6QL-sCRfLseak3adrWEf9ZTteDwAYnRD3VtG5gz8Uit3JFn-h4RLLo2TvjMinCB12jbAwGdA5jLT95N-f-qaMSB24jvKfskVVn5xB6w0ChV5KSpDmrpaWWnoyazkFXhYMjovrQq2rEo6tbE0k426Uv-zts4qUlK-XKLdHIGvmM_lRUBhkx/s4800/36-JR-1MDH7527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="4800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYliukhm95q6QL-sCRfLseak3adrWEf9ZTteDwAYnRD3VtG5gz8Uit3JFn-h4RLLo2TvjMinCB12jbAwGdA5jLT95N-f-qaMSB24jvKfskVVn5xB6w0ChV5KSpDmrpaWWnoyazkFXhYMjovrQq2rEo6tbE0k426Uv-zts4qUlK-XKLdHIGvmM_lRUBhkx/w640-h426/36-JR-1MDH7527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />“After gaining experience in a multitude of GT3 cars over the past year I am super excited to be back for a full British GT Championship assault with Blackthorn and their new Aston Martin,” said Topham. “And Josh was the obvious partner; after working together in McLaren Trophy at Spa it was clear to me that we work well as a partnership. <br /><br />“With the speed and consistency, he has shown throughout his 2023 British GT campaign I believe we have a good foundation to build on for this season and I can't wait to get going and bring Skully back to the front grid.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_Ms7swWfWwmZ25sTuInNoi5hNfCRurWm5W5k7_TAoF10sv07zaXqy6XvCOZlsxVKk-oRbGcySrmVI4Z796zcPy_Mfol1d2-1FwETjEtfeRgB1jGLMhMmh_vZY5KAGwPLlxBXQENaZKPaWA4OginJmY2wIFgLzClvkLcL5e_zwPtFLAzc8VpBvpNTkAzs/s3000/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_10_Top_Rear_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_Ms7swWfWwmZ25sTuInNoi5hNfCRurWm5W5k7_TAoF10sv07zaXqy6XvCOZlsxVKk-oRbGcySrmVI4Z796zcPy_Mfol1d2-1FwETjEtfeRgB1jGLMhMmh_vZY5KAGwPLlxBXQENaZKPaWA4OginJmY2wIFgLzClvkLcL5e_zwPtFLAzc8VpBvpNTkAzs/w640-h426/Blackthorn_Aston_Martin_GT3_10_Top_Rear_1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Having last seen the Blackthorn Team in British GT at the Silverstone 500 last season with the now older 16A version, the team return stronger this season with a two-car entry within both the British GT and Le Mans Cup Series with the new 2024 version.<br /><br />We will, however, have to wait until tomorrow for confirmation of the team’s second Vantage GT3.<div><br /></div><div>Photo credits - Team / Jacob Ebrey</div></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-20922318438844075762024-03-05T16:23:00.004+00:002024-03-05T16:23:51.752+00:00Grid Motorsport by TF complete ELMS driver line up<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVhf5jiOWSmHJFskcCRX94hIYgYz3Mgsun-CMT6P3huAjwYUUz64T4S2nOIf8LX4CLblKze-BPtQqmZKyPwZ5oVaVgba3yWjy4ckJaD3m_WZfU9tnY-jVdZUHo8QrKxJlqV7og7XmjYIofIhQP0f4BEqfnzF0_AxtIszGNxUyT9wp84qBtkqaCBuYAIK9/s600/IMG_3170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVhf5jiOWSmHJFskcCRX94hIYgYz3Mgsun-CMT6P3huAjwYUUz64T4S2nOIf8LX4CLblKze-BPtQqmZKyPwZ5oVaVgba3yWjy4ckJaD3m_WZfU9tnY-jVdZUHo8QrKxJlqV7og7XmjYIofIhQP0f4BEqfnzF0_AxtIszGNxUyT9wp84qBtkqaCBuYAIK9/w640-h360/IMG_3170.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After confirming its commitment in the European Le Mans Series 2024 with two cars - one in the LMP2 class and the other in the brand new LMGT3 class - TF Sport reveals the full lineup of the latter.<br /><br />One name was still missing to complete the remarkable trio of the #97 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Grid Motorsport by TF, unmistakable in its pink and blue striped livery. Joining the already announced Lorcan Hanafin and Martin Berry for the 2024 season of the prestigious endurance championship will be Jonny Adam, who has already had the opportunity to share a piece of road and history with TF Sport being one of the drivers who sealed the team's first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020. The Scottish driver has also already been with the team for three seasons in the ELMS - from 2021 to 2023 – and he is now ready to combine his strengths and experience with his two new teammates to seal a successful season in the European Le Mans Series.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZvniLTDnDNnf_lypsYZeJegmA9kiLtJGz4JTWS81xoU-O_LHHkEpkY1u979gLp4pQGuQUTt9p1dRw852l6BZoENES7ZpfYnSxXhztiprphyphenhyphenHVBnnio63BY5JTOszNR6BNZTLCUlaZVBHFFXk0Ot_RrOezD9uPYHAW2LDT2fsnQjtC9-Tv_DSTNlNWkzo/s600/IMG_3169.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZvniLTDnDNnf_lypsYZeJegmA9kiLtJGz4JTWS81xoU-O_LHHkEpkY1u979gLp4pQGuQUTt9p1dRw852l6BZoENES7ZpfYnSxXhztiprphyphenhyphenHVBnnio63BY5JTOszNR6BNZTLCUlaZVBHFFXk0Ot_RrOezD9uPYHAW2LDT2fsnQjtC9-Tv_DSTNlNWkzo/w640-h640/IMG_3169.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>None of these three talented drivers will be new to the championship, which this year welcomes the new LMGT3 class. Although they have already had the opportunity to test themselves among the twists and turns of some of the most famous European circuits, this will be the first time they will hit the track together aboard the new Aston Martin Racing GT3 #97 Grid Motorsport by TF.<br /><br />The entire team is thrilled to begin this new adventure in the European Le Mans Series and is looking forward to the Prologue scheduled for April 8-9 in Barcelona that will officially kick off the championship</p><p>Source material - TF Sport</p>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-63986664414081202782024-03-05T11:35:00.003+00:002024-03-05T15:11:03.913+00:00And now it starts to get busy in #TeamAMR (UPDATED)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIXtU2PBwJGbF2ezLSlw0pGPishQe9mAGeVgkml5rm_l1Jey0KF1GYzRJ3_Sb9nrsaRiL-8C9PICON2zUtqJOORmKVRI5keLCKGBv3QSmNKeJG6XlwQGCiwo1e5SUuHAEFRDmixyjLPWom9boqLvbSgE0f1aiCFa0JeOhNdO2eIzKBkZIbxp0qg2uSyR0/s6000/35-7B1A4995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIXtU2PBwJGbF2ezLSlw0pGPishQe9mAGeVgkml5rm_l1Jey0KF1GYzRJ3_Sb9nrsaRiL-8C9PICON2zUtqJOORmKVRI5keLCKGBv3QSmNKeJG6XlwQGCiwo1e5SUuHAEFRDmixyjLPWom9boqLvbSgE0f1aiCFa0JeOhNdO2eIzKBkZIbxp0qg2uSyR0/w640-h426/35-7B1A4995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>With the majority of global race seasons getting ever closer to starting up it comes as no surprise really that both team announcements and pre-season testing is ramping up accordingly and this week sees the busiest of all of that so far.<br /><br />Down at the Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France has the SRO’s flagship GT World Challenge Europe Series conduct their annual Prologue official test with over fifty-three cars in attendance over both today and tomorrow.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11uwsREuu-vVspipmKY-hIdUcamcdLK4g4kn1AmXgCCy3kvN-9o3pwS3SujbhdwxsdS07I5lmT3Ee-TAGELznNVTCSuwM_lZzPOiR5Xa-NAxH0b7X7MtcSHjf-DNcHjMLMnlelMjGsvqA1Ellep35X4Tf9uovJKw2FUkCmPBzjg7TpdiZehbNQgmQimDC/s6000/walk-0Q3A7821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11uwsREuu-vVspipmKY-hIdUcamcdLK4g4kn1AmXgCCy3kvN-9o3pwS3SujbhdwxsdS07I5lmT3Ee-TAGELznNVTCSuwM_lZzPOiR5Xa-NAxH0b7X7MtcSHjf-DNcHjMLMnlelMjGsvqA1Ellep35X4Tf9uovJKw2FUkCmPBzjg7TpdiZehbNQgmQimDC/w426-h640/walk-0Q3A7821.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br />Representing the Aston Martin Racing brand there this week we have both the Belgium based Comtoyou Racing and German based Walkenhorst Motorsport teams, fielding two new 2024 AMR Vantage GT3’s apiece for what will be a split Endurance and Sprint Series commitment between them.<br /><br />We sadly miss the presence of the Danish GMB Motorsport team from the proceedings after they confirmed a cessation of their operational activities soon after confirming their commitment to the SRO series after their final round within the ACO rules European Le Mans Series.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIynojy3RcsSyFi8l-BUoAjdwrbrQzsaW1f5oCMdlekejb7pdKB1Y1X6okl6KHpeL9KKxr04TI9R6l81mq3l3A47ppwdRwKujZbeVwckf-05ewiLJu81QuHC6NkGU89fVl59K3YcEHr2lBOdPg8zfAPVFxPr7WdzFCom7MPeeeEWqK0KDV5exO0DJHArx/s5472/comtoyou-1RE_5211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIynojy3RcsSyFi8l-BUoAjdwrbrQzsaW1f5oCMdlekejb7pdKB1Y1X6okl6KHpeL9KKxr04TI9R6l81mq3l3A47ppwdRwKujZbeVwckf-05ewiLJu81QuHC6NkGU89fVl59K3YcEHr2lBOdPg8zfAPVFxPr7WdzFCom7MPeeeEWqK0KDV5exO0DJHArx/w400-h266/comtoyou-1RE_5211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />No drivers have been listed as running within any of the four cars entered but both teams have split their two cars between their already defined full Pro entries and that of a mixed class of drivers for the other.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIIdWSH8ysZqD_FIUr7L5yJD8SHAoTdMZDB5uvINTDUD_I5jhZic8WcicyYpHuSsdJ0RPXMTueLJpLjpc9n_DFXxkUZSThFZWBLSN3jWsUsXetZRyyXOTkzLD54a1xOw0H_iNYWC66nqRmEN9AXe9PrafODVKAjrij7eR2-15RBDcXlep-JQ1K4nEZjEP/s960/IMG_3156.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="960" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIIdWSH8ysZqD_FIUr7L5yJD8SHAoTdMZDB5uvINTDUD_I5jhZic8WcicyYpHuSsdJ0RPXMTueLJpLjpc9n_DFXxkUZSThFZWBLSN3jWsUsXetZRyyXOTkzLD54a1xOw0H_iNYWC66nqRmEN9AXe9PrafODVKAjrij7eR2-15RBDcXlep-JQ1K4nEZjEP/w640-h398/IMG_3156.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Then around in Japan, we have the D’Station Racing AMR Vantage GT3 of Tomonobu Fujii and Marco Sorensen run at the weeks Super GT official test in Motegi.<br /><br />With other programmes getting in the way of this and subsequents test, this will be the first time that the two will have shared a car together although Fujii does manage the teams World Endurance Championship entered LMGT3 car in Qatar just last weekend with Sorensen aboard when the team claimed their first podium of the new ruleset.<br /><br />The team also revealed today a slight change to their usual car livery for their return to the GT300 class.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bTANAK-DrvBoj5J4nNzp16GF3j4kb1sVeCk7jqzGDn3Nv_SJNpCbU4dyJ9mTEYCRhG37AWtLlkVGgQ-X58hy-VxX8u9Gn6Nkh76B3rSjx03HIbPI3RYljw71mkGpKxNR6bIEydapyS7jGUM-YDbk5f6Dpcsaq0YrGalxnuRgdls35itEsWt-gy14qbhE/s1028/429661317_263617013496372_3558254620162755787_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1028" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bTANAK-DrvBoj5J4nNzp16GF3j4kb1sVeCk7jqzGDn3Nv_SJNpCbU4dyJ9mTEYCRhG37AWtLlkVGgQ-X58hy-VxX8u9Gn6Nkh76B3rSjx03HIbPI3RYljw71mkGpKxNR6bIEydapyS7jGUM-YDbk5f6Dpcsaq0YrGalxnuRgdls35itEsWt-gy14qbhE/w640-h360/429661317_263617013496372_3558254620162755787_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />Finally, we saw early news today of a new AMR powered team due to enter a 2024 Vantage GT3 into this year’s Sepang 12hrs.<br /><br />New Zealand based FHK Racing Prime Speed Sport posted a render of their new car (with drivers confirmed as being Francois Beziac, Heremana Malmezac and Jono Lester) that will enter into this year’s event later in just a couple of weeks’ time.<br /><br />And then later today – there could be some more news!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumNncnzXiUtBVV4fHjU9EC7ztb880pGE49uDFjTzFMJx4wHRY7RoIicrmzCVePmxu3pH2SUUEiu_U5rVq9ifsIE2e7Pil4OIlh0-0NIqagowqRhitaYfG4h5TIko7y76VtyQQCy_DYp-YCOiOs_tUJqkD-bOUmT1FDrRNz2YFTsZtQDGf9IJfZLTc7Yvl/s3840/GH6giENXwAAB6am.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumNncnzXiUtBVV4fHjU9EC7ztb880pGE49uDFjTzFMJx4wHRY7RoIicrmzCVePmxu3pH2SUUEiu_U5rVq9ifsIE2e7Pil4OIlh0-0NIqagowqRhitaYfG4h5TIko7y76VtyQQCy_DYp-YCOiOs_tUJqkD-bOUmT1FDrRNz2YFTsZtQDGf9IJfZLTc7Yvl/w640-h360/GH6giENXwAAB6am.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><i>UPDATE</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>On top of that information, French based GPA Racing have also today confirmed that drivers Kevin Jimenez and Florent Grizaud will be returning to the GT4 European Series with their restyled Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Proficient within the sister FFSA GT4 Series, this will be the team and crews second full season start within the larger European series which will start with the pairing within their existing 17A chassis before possibly transferring to the new 2024 40A version as and when one becomes available to them.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Speaking to us after the launch of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at Silverstone just a few weeks ago, Grizaud confirmed that their car of last season had not yet sold and that they would be reliant upon it again before the new car can be built. The team and crew have already been busy pre-season testing this week.</i><br /><br /><br />Photo credits – Teams / social media / GTWCE</div></div></div></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-39162198506214810512024-03-04T16:40:00.001+00:002024-03-05T07:11:28.319+00:00Barcelona decider for Forsetti in GT4 Winter Series<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sk45qC5ockcl-yO-9pbmNLikrm9DapBoszbzzckolS0sTsvemDlxZ6ih99AB4WC-QLIb2niSMbTIgZRP8iHX36yzw0MGWSOj72RE5kHhduPBxWFtou2bHx9_vaRYzmamQoSEm8kuBZwtDLn07LFYGhx-syA36ZxOD7CBy9uQh_WA_uO5JRQz_rv9xEAt/s4000/240303_GT4WS_web_113735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sk45qC5ockcl-yO-9pbmNLikrm9DapBoszbzzckolS0sTsvemDlxZ6ih99AB4WC-QLIb2niSMbTIgZRP8iHX36yzw0MGWSOj72RE5kHhduPBxWFtou2bHx9_vaRYzmamQoSEm8kuBZwtDLn07LFYGhx-syA36ZxOD7CBy9uQh_WA_uO5JRQz_rv9xEAt/w400-h266/240303_GT4WS_web_113735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Three more podium finishes at the weekend for the Forsetti Motorsport at the penultimate round of the GT4 Winter Series from Aragon has left them tantalisingly close to the overall title but need just a few more points at the final round to collect the silverware.<br /><br />With Mikey Porter and Jamie Day again piloting the #19 17A version of the Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 (unfortunately their new 2024 40A variant wasn’t allowed out to play this weekend) saw Day make another of his customary lights to flag solo race wins in the weekend’s opening thirty-minute race before Porter claimed another P3 of his own within his own sprint race.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vpw43NjgmbqlH8FeOZPoULgkCjjcVPJUk7KPYLRGTqzUXEr1IKxln0yNur-eGybNcET4V570RQm3MKFb237MzMVeVOg_q6rqfgsoSx52rp0CX2UMGmD-dO5kTilUl_6zxLBiC2hGiVc3QERgvkSpLSR2lH4EU_7sIdQIaSzuaI1Ya_9hgbQgYsIQr7yW/s4000/240302_GT4WS_web_174945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vpw43NjgmbqlH8FeOZPoULgkCjjcVPJUk7KPYLRGTqzUXEr1IKxln0yNur-eGybNcET4V570RQm3MKFb237MzMVeVOg_q6rqfgsoSx52rp0CX2UMGmD-dO5kTilUl_6zxLBiC2hGiVc3QERgvkSpLSR2lH4EU_7sIdQIaSzuaI1Ya_9hgbQgYsIQr7yW/w400-h266/240302_GT4WS_web_174945.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />That left the young pairing just Sunday’s hour long and pit stop punctuated endurance round but even another race win for the pairing there wasn’t quite enough for the team to seal either the Overall and Pro classes.<br /><br />In Pro, the duo lead their closest opponent (Joel Mesch) by just 12.75 points and with three races remaining – each awarding 9 points to the winner, the mathematical possibilities are obvious.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKkHqS4X4qhwU0aYoNzFJxc7nv4ptDuCJsVJURFnN6MlTiB4eA6c46XfQuSHarG3meKsQCnwTNhsaVDtTEpy7JETR2-qjY9noGh5rsWB1wd-Vl3sBT_svI-GQnTEIzgHl5B486R24Bnpy2QrOL90Kd5352ZTD8NmaRlF7H8bX6qQInHy8FcymLyrrKuu2/s4000/240303_GT4WS_web_173147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKkHqS4X4qhwU0aYoNzFJxc7nv4ptDuCJsVJURFnN6MlTiB4eA6c46XfQuSHarG3meKsQCnwTNhsaVDtTEpy7JETR2-qjY9noGh5rsWB1wd-Vl3sBT_svI-GQnTEIzgHl5B486R24Bnpy2QrOL90Kd5352ZTD8NmaRlF7H8bX6qQInHy8FcymLyrrKuu2/w400-h266/240303_GT4WS_web_173147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Them, within the Overall Championship position, it is again the Mercedes AMG GT4 of Joel Mesch who is the Aston’s crew closest opponent. This time a 58-point advantage over the German could still be overcome with another 75 points being available at the final round of the season in Barcelona next weekend.<br /><br />Whilst the team’s dominance within the GT4 Winter Series may have been obvious with just three race results off the podium, the points scoring system has at least kept things open for those behind. To win overall will obviously be a good thing for this fledgling team but with some further 2024 commitments already announced – the quality of race opposition will only increase in both number and ability.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnHy0smYRNKR4r1UDtqgj4tkfAKY8RS5yGDThG-BScF6QhUahGHf0uh5ny2oKqBn-tnqaQm1XzwjkDyV3Mag_CkuWaju-d5CY3jziW3zCZ-_Arl4ER-azfi3oxHnHgL6TnguMG-mfKcxfmvoIa9mx13KIYENNGkXg3ctMQUXDFPWo7xkjVxrp8McAmiuP/s4000/240303_GT4WS_web_173800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnHy0smYRNKR4r1UDtqgj4tkfAKY8RS5yGDThG-BScF6QhUahGHf0uh5ny2oKqBn-tnqaQm1XzwjkDyV3Mag_CkuWaju-d5CY3jziW3zCZ-_Arl4ER-azfi3oxHnHgL6TnguMG-mfKcxfmvoIa9mx13KIYENNGkXg3ctMQUXDFPWo7xkjVxrp8McAmiuP/w400-h266/240303_GT4WS_web_173800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Game on in Barcelona for the Championship next week then!<br /><br />Photo credits – Daniel Buergin</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-75037586818243139522024-03-04T14:00:00.004+00:002024-03-04T14:06:02.471+00:00A fist full of Aston Martin Vantage GT4s to do IMSA battle around the streets of St Petes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUzf4KgT4GU3K6PegMbXJ_Dqloy14EI6Y2o3sAVVClG0oClHesGBWbbFlPetMlg6TrK51v802oNNms7P0RS734Jtu_WyCR536VSBz_nIBbkyfKkup3PGMGu6h1NQcY9MWtEtB7oRv3_uLbCFoMcKnRDTohWgLIZ_pm0BQgavbrGldl2xBTQr5R_BpX2rQ/s1200/GEzn5tMXMAA_Qc2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1200" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUzf4KgT4GU3K6PegMbXJ_Dqloy14EI6Y2o3sAVVClG0oClHesGBWbbFlPetMlg6TrK51v802oNNms7P0RS734Jtu_WyCR536VSBz_nIBbkyfKkup3PGMGu6h1NQcY9MWtEtB7oRv3_uLbCFoMcKnRDTohWgLIZ_pm0BQgavbrGldl2xBTQr5R_BpX2rQ/w400-h234/GEzn5tMXMAA_Qc2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The official entry list may say four, but we believe there to be more Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 powered crews entered into this weekend’s IndyCar support VP Racing Sportscar Challenge race from St Petersburg.<br /><br />The three indicated full season entries all return albeit with one slight change aboard one of them whilst the Prosport Competition team field a guest entry for a certain reigning GT America GT4 Champion and another also chases seat time after a disappointing showing first time out this season in Michelin Pilot Challenge.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs05oDtTK29RUKWz8TO6EqN4UbBRzOLnKACORys0fBua_amnN5NWTyW0f_jsOjQt3WvJZOEjhG8tFOxC1UBIbO39VcWO86x2jLjpRL0_ZzbYTYCYFUTpFYlK9x7TFa52xu4z3yiAUrcGfozji6ROh0KECflAlj43nCAu6kuMBw7HaBgQBx_6tiEaoP5Wi-/s960/IMG_2352.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="960" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs05oDtTK29RUKWz8TO6EqN4UbBRzOLnKACORys0fBua_amnN5NWTyW0f_jsOjQt3WvJZOEjhG8tFOxC1UBIbO39VcWO86x2jLjpRL0_ZzbYTYCYFUTpFYlK9x7TFa52xu4z3yiAUrcGfozji6ROh0KECflAlj43nCAu6kuMBw7HaBgQBx_6tiEaoP5Wi-/w400-h249/IMG_2352.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Ruckus Racing is back with Scott Blind again behind the wheel of his #45 car whilst Frank DePew should get to run in his first race of the year with his 2024 Rebel Rock Racing prepared Vantage GT4 Evo having suffered technical issues with the brand new car last time out at Daytona that prevented him from running in the opening two races at the Roar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEV-RO43FO06oePcObac4uHAsqIIBk-8XIqgCPrRvPsPj9Amsr45Lg7icj3CM9bn2htHJ65lDafX0UEhGG60Jdza5b_YmJ_CB7pGB-mov3bZf3I7aBCdhzg-ZNd9EHrBqj4OvpXqsSqTgAMgEtyeQBvuaivWMLZBjX7lbucBBdRqeOo3pws_nL9L38b5s/s910/IMG_2350.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="910" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEV-RO43FO06oePcObac4uHAsqIIBk-8XIqgCPrRvPsPj9Amsr45Lg7icj3CM9bn2htHJ65lDafX0UEhGG60Jdza5b_YmJ_CB7pGB-mov3bZf3I7aBCdhzg-ZNd9EHrBqj4OvpXqsSqTgAMgEtyeQBvuaivWMLZBjX7lbucBBdRqeOo3pws_nL9L38b5s/w400-h264/IMG_2350.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The #82 Van Der Steur Aston Martin is in attendance but rather than Brady Behrman behind the wheel, they will be debuting Michelin Pilot Challenge Porsche racer Jackson Lee for this event. We believe that this has been scheduled for some weeks now, but we haven’t seen any explanation as to why this is – other than perhaps, prior commitments on Behrman’s part?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMXRao83KK2GXYqOXy6M7p66KyCsvSTYzQd2xu7P7yjo5WQuUT8FVeraN4Mc8fs_PAPycmHFzJKgWTlubmB8kwrD6ITRDP_HaPZtJoQHO3Nbllkgu-LbKxSb-a-7x3ktExLaaQEXiMf_zfVqGuFofvHAQr5rN7vVZUv7UfJIF0fDBeWO7uSeNx7FMcQul/s960/IMG_2666.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="960" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMXRao83KK2GXYqOXy6M7p66KyCsvSTYzQd2xu7P7yjo5WQuUT8FVeraN4Mc8fs_PAPycmHFzJKgWTlubmB8kwrD6ITRDP_HaPZtJoQHO3Nbllkgu-LbKxSb-a-7x3ktExLaaQEXiMf_zfVqGuFofvHAQr5rN7vVZUv7UfJIF0fDBeWO7uSeNx7FMcQul/w400-h265/IMG_2666.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Last time out at Daytona, Archangel ran an AMR for Robbie McWilliams, but it appears that he will not be back at this street circuit round, but the team will be preparing a car for MPC full season entrant, Todd Coleman after he suffered something of a disaster at the season opener with technical issues and penalties as a result of exploits on track. This will be all about seat time and dialling himself back in before the next round of the MPC season from Sebring in a couple of weeks.<br /><br />Finally, and for similar reasons for Coleman, we see that Jason Bell will be back in action at St Pete’s – not because he has suddenly enlisted upon the IMSA entry rather than for seat time at a circuit he loves (and usually wins at in a GT4) before he embarks upon a full GT3 season in GT America.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQdCOQw2iGs4pobKka5lQnlaiVvAjeQpR2BcjOpN-_1TbxRAki08qdhi6aUO_BRXlkJ0ZCeG0-mDFLeW0ChdZ349allJT5Oos8WVNbg3OAj6GCxOGO48FrzaCYE_sux08EHr7e0ZgHvCCViP4SzgG-vwai66kzdOsJOwD6WFyACZU-jwuI6LvXJ41XXZc/s1800/IMG_6535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQdCOQw2iGs4pobKka5lQnlaiVvAjeQpR2BcjOpN-_1TbxRAki08qdhi6aUO_BRXlkJ0ZCeG0-mDFLeW0ChdZ349allJT5Oos8WVNbg3OAj6GCxOGO48FrzaCYE_sux08EHr7e0ZgHvCCViP4SzgG-vwai66kzdOsJOwD6WFyACZU-jwuI6LvXJ41XXZc/w400-h266/IMG_6535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Two Free Practice sessions and Qualifying are scheduled for this Friday before running two forty-five-minute races on Saturday around the tight 1.8 mile circuit. That leaves little margin for error with the consequences that a street derived circuit can quickly bring to race cars!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits – Teams / social media / IMSA</span></p>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-25710191930776343162024-03-04T13:21:00.002+00:002024-03-04T13:21:15.986+00:00TLM Racing settle for just the one class win in WRLs visit to Barber<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ96icc0zUbAci6fWiOmvRf3tEdCnubFAIVP5MIUad__iL1dTWzDPsBfdeErlFiCTWUEtcR3YnG0BI8doeogGa5RzD0bjRPDIES3Hm4j9VFwN_TLHEGt_OPy4_vmuGSHqyXwsd2XketG4gyZY_NWPAGW_6cqWW-aDKOwz8xo62Vv_IQGCfaKZ7RcLnvjZR/s960/IMG_3147.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="960" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ96icc0zUbAci6fWiOmvRf3tEdCnubFAIVP5MIUad__iL1dTWzDPsBfdeErlFiCTWUEtcR3YnG0BI8doeogGa5RzD0bjRPDIES3Hm4j9VFwN_TLHEGt_OPy4_vmuGSHqyXwsd2XketG4gyZY_NWPAGW_6cqWW-aDKOwz8xo62Vv_IQGCfaKZ7RcLnvjZR/w400-h255/IMG_3147.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Not letting the international teams have all the podium achieving kudos from last weekend, saw the TLM Racing Aston Martin Racing duo of Zang O’Shaunessy and JP Southern steal a march on their GT3 peers by winning at least one of the World Racing League two races at Barber Motorsports Park.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jMYG2Nbz1-iZhyphenhyphentJSSKXtvD1yiESzFPoe_D4GfxqYB230uhG7jsG5wEu4CMaiiWocGCRUAvM7fJ0Y-A0A30qfKLGZcIf4V0QtBZKCFURo4LzBw_or5I91pY47BprZWKhnYu__hPG5fimrjYZVNoLsL80qSoIfIv-1w4zFcGbm596lMFdiMwwmHIQDg3a/s960/IMG_3133.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="960" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jMYG2Nbz1-iZhyphenhyphentJSSKXtvD1yiESzFPoe_D4GfxqYB230uhG7jsG5wEu4CMaiiWocGCRUAvM7fJ0Y-A0A30qfKLGZcIf4V0QtBZKCFURo4LzBw_or5I91pY47BprZWKhnYu__hPG5fimrjYZVNoLsL80qSoIfIv-1w4zFcGbm596lMFdiMwwmHIQDg3a/w400-h260/IMG_3133.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />In spirit, winning both Saturday’s eight hour and Sunday’s seven-hour races, the pairing had to settle for just a win on Sunday after their Vantage GT4 was found to have exceeded its maximum dyno output during the weekends opening race, so were sadly struck from the results despite the marginal boost in performance that transgression made.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyFQtbefuNzqHuJeUUzNs0sIfVsx4tASkQqHsCat8FbngMYzLV1-SBmeMaOiYF14PuQSaoHmEtCAEQnCtKehmAMmjLoTZb8XBB-N16q7TaXGsZo2GlhlLXgapjd_a_6caUChxwopL03Rd95olPetBfA1jVuUM9TVmmExEt8YKnIE00yauI3dO7khK-NMl/s574/IMG_3089.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="574" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyFQtbefuNzqHuJeUUzNs0sIfVsx4tASkQqHsCat8FbngMYzLV1-SBmeMaOiYF14PuQSaoHmEtCAEQnCtKehmAMmjLoTZb8XBB-N16q7TaXGsZo2GlhlLXgapjd_a_6caUChxwopL03Rd95olPetBfA1jVuUM9TVmmExEt8YKnIE00yauI3dO7khK-NMl/w400-h271/IMG_3089.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Not letting a cold and wet start to the Alabama proceedings hamper their efforts, the sister #172 TLM Racing entered Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 of Jim Hamman, David Tuaty and Nathan Byrd finished race 1 in P9 overall whilst the #909 Automatic Racing AMR of Todd Parriott and Tom Dwyer would hit a few obstacles along the way to finish P35 overall and fifty-one laps down.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAP1xGkqMMAOEPUhE0Rx0iFowvCHL_l1lSNthEHt3575Fcp0P6n6De9S6Eku3rvgk9R0oNsOCcuAiBSnRExLfuWK5IupNNMBdPpt5rGpxQNbctHokjKG0dxuoLaBKV0crYcURsnLNm-5-zRppNaFx45Mfw7dfUhMLxlGuLRhCZr9j0bsrCbwcuMKaclGA/s806/IMG_3135.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="806" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAP1xGkqMMAOEPUhE0Rx0iFowvCHL_l1lSNthEHt3575Fcp0P6n6De9S6Eku3rvgk9R0oNsOCcuAiBSnRExLfuWK5IupNNMBdPpt5rGpxQNbctHokjKG0dxuoLaBKV0crYcURsnLNm-5-zRppNaFx45Mfw7dfUhMLxlGuLRhCZr9j0bsrCbwcuMKaclGA/w400-h260/IMG_3135.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Sunday’s race two saw the #888 ‘Mona’ AMR take the GTO class win with the #172 a consistent finisher in P10 and with a better finish (and more importantly – more seat time for the GT4 America entered pairing) in P27.<br /><br />The series now moves onto Mid-Ohio in just about a month’s time.<br /><br />Photo credits - Team</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-77045205799821331322024-03-03T22:28:00.005+00:002024-03-04T16:03:14.433+00:00Heart of Racing open WEC 2024 account with a second in Qatar<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBP-LJjEMFwOGhKlBE5JbuKbEec_Pz7NCFTd5CcWwTr0xMqj_WUiK6_qZt-OtsQPiNYzomEdeWuSSPW3ScGYoAiyEzEU5AqOZAcDk6VBX07YlA3oF5Ypk-q3IUPADuRWFBV0tAy5nTyqPO9wtzbzlNJKSxtczqRDuZiKPQGbwve5MoCSLdfneS3k5jl-y/s960/IMG_3109.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="960" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBP-LJjEMFwOGhKlBE5JbuKbEec_Pz7NCFTd5CcWwTr0xMqj_WUiK6_qZt-OtsQPiNYzomEdeWuSSPW3ScGYoAiyEzEU5AqOZAcDk6VBX07YlA3oF5Ypk-q3IUPADuRWFBV0tAy5nTyqPO9wtzbzlNJKSxtczqRDuZiKPQGbwve5MoCSLdfneS3k5jl-y/w400-h256/IMG_3109.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Heart of Racing team kicked off the FIA World Endurance Championship this weekend at Lusail International Circuit with a second place finish. Ian James, Alex Riberas and Daniel Mancinelli teamed up behind the wheel of the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 earning their best finish in WEC to date. <br /><br />The Heart of Racing No. 27 Aston Martin prepared for the 1,812km enduro with three free practice sessions before qualifying on Friday. Riberas set the fastest lap time on Friday morning’s free practice session with a 1:54.964 second lap. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGufN_oMH5ypgOxKCNOXli9nq3L8Zm65lfv7vUfSGpcJhUsTsq2ee_TIg2gQXfwQ_MVMvYMq_tr0Ycep5KK4_-vmkPaQumO8vXDjsMBJu_2BEEK1sFadFrbhWDTItD-Om-bdIv9nhfr97-S-Na-5ddFe0BKPRj8s6eYkim19V7p8Q9GaQnZGfFwaQyyL86/s600/430129298_18421091857010252_1572535583340023787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGufN_oMH5ypgOxKCNOXli9nq3L8Zm65lfv7vUfSGpcJhUsTsq2ee_TIg2gQXfwQ_MVMvYMq_tr0Ycep5KK4_-vmkPaQumO8vXDjsMBJu_2BEEK1sFadFrbhWDTItD-Om-bdIv9nhfr97-S-Na-5ddFe0BKPRj8s6eYkim19V7p8Q9GaQnZGfFwaQyyL86/w400-h400/430129298_18421091857010252_1572535583340023787_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />James qualified for the Heart of Racing team Friday afternoon, scoring the fastest lap time of qualifying with a 1:55.251 second lap. James then moved on to the hyperpole to determine the top ten starting positions, where the Team Principal solidified a third row starting position. <br /><br />James was first behind the wheel of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 driving back to back stints and moving his way from fifth to second before handing the car to Mancinelli. On lap 155, the Italian made a pass for the lead as Heart of Racing led the first-ever WEC race to feature the two-class (Hypercar + LMGT3) field. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF44zC5H6Cof-BCwa7UMbJS3wgFvx2e9ezOZoRcchtnYnJ0448tAhs9xZoEKlSIOfWV75xpnzqJJdhJkntVfkwI5-ZUsTgH0-zWTYSfp9f85GH8DBFIQjlnepfFtbnqELt2-mrCFjNKPnL-YWqebJHP9EGE3huuT85k7_iPOBGRFLywAaPcXA8Fnr14-1/s960/IMG_2972.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF44zC5H6Cof-BCwa7UMbJS3wgFvx2e9ezOZoRcchtnYnJ0448tAhs9xZoEKlSIOfWV75xpnzqJJdhJkntVfkwI5-ZUsTgH0-zWTYSfp9f85GH8DBFIQjlnepfFtbnqELt2-mrCFjNKPnL-YWqebJHP9EGE3huuT85k7_iPOBGRFLywAaPcXA8Fnr14-1/w400-h319/IMG_2972.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />“This is a great day for the Heart of Racing and the new Vantage GT3,” said James. “We fought for the win all day long and we ended up with second, and we are very happy with that. Now we move on to Imola with some good points in the bag. The strategy was good, everyone in the team played their part and they did a great job with the car.”<br /><br />Mancinelli and Riberas took turns behind the wheel for the remainder of the race staying consistently in the top three positions and leading a total 41 laps. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7Bvqr070nMWbFHomcFOmEDlT1yuxcZeYPURsUQMTswFQ_PS57ouW94kr8k22yAveL3YbtA_0_sN5lWqBm4xiTvxDTqUJBKi6uv0JBCT6F73ReFGk-NzG-gBL2vE9kWneQAEFJ6F2GDtvU-h4AsHeT-_ahJSKQo39r-YK6p2NG6jouj_9LtT9UER2IFbD/s2048/IMG_3114.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7Bvqr070nMWbFHomcFOmEDlT1yuxcZeYPURsUQMTswFQ_PS57ouW94kr8k22yAveL3YbtA_0_sN5lWqBm4xiTvxDTqUJBKi6uv0JBCT6F73ReFGk-NzG-gBL2vE9kWneQAEFJ6F2GDtvU-h4AsHeT-_ahJSKQo39r-YK6p2NG6jouj_9LtT9UER2IFbD/w400-h266/IMG_3114.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />“Very happy for the second place we got for the first race of the season,” said Mancinelli. “It had been tough to manage tires and the traffic with hypercars but the Heart of Racing team did an excellent job both from a crew and drivers side. We worked hard to be at the top, I have to say everything worked well. Now I'm looking forward to the Imola race next month!” <br /><br />Riberas finished the final two hours of the race crossing the finish line in second while closing the gap to the leader. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSwP56Kuh4EErj_aX-ZTMg6fGMbA2l9FxLxByltwdylkM9CI5yNgEp70BfoJGSI3-3NebmeJCw3rpThQxXU2Jve7TBr-FNnkGBsW40FIrBZ0fBNFvkJDLcBTgx0dlr4V_W1MgGigRRkq8dwFpQsJi_K9G4OclPke2oWj_WAnpuMA5xirna_zs8bpuL7uj/s2048/IMG_3115.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSwP56Kuh4EErj_aX-ZTMg6fGMbA2l9FxLxByltwdylkM9CI5yNgEp70BfoJGSI3-3NebmeJCw3rpThQxXU2Jve7TBr-FNnkGBsW40FIrBZ0fBNFvkJDLcBTgx0dlr4V_W1MgGigRRkq8dwFpQsJi_K9G4OclPke2oWj_WAnpuMA5xirna_zs8bpuL7uj/w400-h266/IMG_3115.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />“I’m definitely happy with the way we started the season,” said Riberas. “To start the championship on the podium is a dream come true for the whole team and great momentum to carry over to Italy. It’s a fantastic way to show the appreciation we have for the crew and rest of the team that did a tremendous job the whole time we were in Doha. We have a great package with the Aston Martin Vantage GT3, the team and the driver lineup. I’m very very happy and looking forward to the rest of the year.” <br /><br />The Heart of Racing Team will be back in action with its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship program on March 16th with the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The next WEC race will take place at the Italian Imola Circuit in April. <br /><br />Source material - HORT</div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6107072069726137706.post-74338850839797038062024-03-02T22:12:00.005+00:002024-03-02T22:12:54.765+00:00New Aston Martin Racing Vantage LMGT3 secures double podium in WEC opener<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6JeRSbXbSHzHqsxkKeLPTPgUGre6wBDq7XIgrjcEGxRfiVqikYG3n0EUalZzknqSEDT0ZT8ousQneP9pMIeOtC3pSDNhTi88khLqfEuwaxu1QC0oLt1vhRoGYsWrTCZgMnGQq23q7zY0ohzm8BHNAvx1BDhr6YQCij3HNt5VA78ZTNEIA0P9BhU9Kfov/s2048/IMG_3112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6JeRSbXbSHzHqsxkKeLPTPgUGre6wBDq7XIgrjcEGxRfiVqikYG3n0EUalZzknqSEDT0ZT8ousQneP9pMIeOtC3pSDNhTi88khLqfEuwaxu1QC0oLt1vhRoGYsWrTCZgMnGQq23q7zY0ohzm8BHNAvx1BDhr6YQCij3HNt5VA78ZTNEIA0P9BhU9Kfov/w400-h266/IMG_3112.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 took a brilliant double LMGT3 class podium on its debut in a thrilling opening round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), held for the first time at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, on Saturday.<br /><br />Racing in the new-for-2024 LMGT3 class, the US-based Heart of Racing team, and its drivers Ian James (GBR), Daniel Mancinelli (ITA) and Alex Riberas (ESP), narrowly missed out on a maiden class victory at world level, having led the Qatar 1812 Km for large periods of the event. Ultimately, the team finished a mere five seconds behind the winning car after a storming drive.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgghMtDR9hag2V52BWdXWU05yKVc19UUHig4Ta3AIH5fh4UninBjFP0_wgtnFQf48lOucsfnS06PbQk9z4XncDdhEwEdJvpnrKfaXhmebWSAxIE9JK55PIkUUrY3D1hsUyHjpzCjYeKRjUqaqYbqEvuZVzLLYYMcvsLa_iAvCnNP6mlKryxZVEvP1pLp2/s960/IMG_3111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="960" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgghMtDR9hag2V52BWdXWU05yKVc19UUHig4Ta3AIH5fh4UninBjFP0_wgtnFQf48lOucsfnS06PbQk9z4XncDdhEwEdJvpnrKfaXhmebWSAxIE9JK55PIkUUrY3D1hsUyHjpzCjYeKRjUqaqYbqEvuZVzLLYYMcvsLa_iAvCnNP6mlKryxZVEvP1pLp2/w400-h291/IMG_3111.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Second place was the Heart of Racing’s best result on only its fifth race in the WEC, and marks its second consecutive podium finish, after the team placed third in the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain finale last November.<br /><br />Underlining the exciting potential of the new Vantage GT3, D’station Racing also delivered its second consecutive podium finish with third place, after charging through the order in the second half of the race. It was the perfect reward for the Japanese-run squad, whose Vantage GT3 was driven by French WEC debutants Clément Mateu and Erwan Bastard, as well as three-time FIA World Endurance Champion Marco Sørensen (DEN).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNaxvAtXL86s_FjJMZqQafXisNBlhyphenhyphenR7QmKkSiVPfy4e8kD85qL5IKsyP_EBp6W9CziDA5M2Y8sefZ7vqsdFgzd6aJvdGKlZa5NT-64ZMgytwknWCE8Wx8ozu6GGk2js4CIPdavlefY3FJUeIem2QU9duPxDbqZB0oi45xagvcjTn_0X6ZfR5Uq-GOad8/s2048/IMG_3115.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNaxvAtXL86s_FjJMZqQafXisNBlhyphenhyphenR7QmKkSiVPfy4e8kD85qL5IKsyP_EBp6W9CziDA5M2Y8sefZ7vqsdFgzd6aJvdGKlZa5NT-64ZMgytwknWCE8Wx8ozu6GGk2js4CIPdavlefY3FJUeIem2QU9duPxDbqZB0oi45xagvcjTn_0X6ZfR5Uq-GOad8/w400-h266/IMG_3115.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “This was a very promising start for the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3, underlining its potential both as a competitive racing car and as an accessible platform for racing drivers of all levels to extract the maximum performance from it. WEC must also be congratulated for the new format it has introduced with the LMGT3 class, which proved highly competitive, and entertaining, and is a great platform for rival manufacturers to compete on an equal footing. We now move on to the next round at Imola, confident that we can build on this strong opening result and in the knowledge there is more to come from our new Vantage.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF1LXrFTRr6SGYvoOf0tzsWtqg-gF4vKFloC_E-UyRycFV_k_Fs_YlQVYCsv3rl7-ddFl5y_an-Ua0UiBCnItBwsQCEqcM_hHYodA0O6tueFWwOCNP1R1MPHwbG5R4jDtwfsM1Vk5kD5abAwMI0yyGmcp07VNr2zoHQhOvRszRbYcqJ1ZH8LzH_RC5xix/s2048/IMG_3106.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF1LXrFTRr6SGYvoOf0tzsWtqg-gF4vKFloC_E-UyRycFV_k_Fs_YlQVYCsv3rl7-ddFl5y_an-Ua0UiBCnItBwsQCEqcM_hHYodA0O6tueFWwOCNP1R1MPHwbG5R4jDtwfsM1Vk5kD5abAwMI0yyGmcp07VNr2zoHQhOvRszRbYcqJ1ZH8LzH_RC5xix/w400-h266/IMG_3106.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Both Vantage GT3s started the race in the top five of the LMGT3 class, and established themselves solidly in the top ten early in the race, Mateu running as high as third in the opening stint.<br /><br />James, also team principal of the Heart of Racing, then delivered an impressive quadruple stint – a little under three hours in the cockpit all told – and his drive underpinned a solid race-long run for the car, which remained in the fight for the lead after the point he handed it over to Mancinelli. Riberas’ first stint saw the team establish a small advantage over the rival Porsche, but a minor error dropped the car back into the clutches of the pack. Friendly on tyres, and with a good energy management plan, the car in back in the hands of Riberas was then able to press hard in the final stint, closing the gap from 20s to five at the flag.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRZvli73Q_1kvutYcMaie99-HiIUHiaP7DT-eD6OdYh22Ji6PnVxgDjtAFnW3ydFmCIQHF4rkGdOW1LTlum8bvrI35n75T-UU7Ww0bM-BYhbJPyQKmtlKdXGXhyphenhyphenTYQqt2NZXyYyr0OOv0xCNuT6-iUoXJaACwLWvPpeHlg_EVKj2931ScgUCW_xaVcO-s/s1200/GHlr4CQW0AAARdO.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRZvli73Q_1kvutYcMaie99-HiIUHiaP7DT-eD6OdYh22Ji6PnVxgDjtAFnW3ydFmCIQHF4rkGdOW1LTlum8bvrI35n75T-UU7Ww0bM-BYhbJPyQKmtlKdXGXhyphenhyphenTYQqt2NZXyYyr0OOv0xCNuT6-iUoXJaACwLWvPpeHlg_EVKj2931ScgUCW_xaVcO-s/w400-h266/GHlr4CQW0AAARdO.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />“This is a great day for the Heart of Racing and the new Vantage GT3,” said James after the race. “We fought for the win all day long and we ended up with second, and we are very happy with that. Now we move on to Imola with some good points in the bag. The strategy was good, everyone in the team played their part and they did a great job with the car.”<br /><br />D'station Racing’s rookie duo both performed brilliantly, underlining the improved drivability of the Vantage as Mateu delivered a highly competitive first stint in his first start in WEC. He then suffered a small issue in the pits, which dropped the team to tenth, but delivered another three consistent stints to keep the team in the hunt. Bastard drove exceptionally well, and error-free, to put the car back in the top five, and Sørensen emerged the victor in a thrilling battle with his former AMR team-mate Maxime Martin for third in the final stages.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibubTp1Murt8crkJm8dw5NR7_xMhpI1Yl_qKQaoi47JLBtVUwOzqffMIoh9MZDzB0j2ITmhDdrLm5t1vLeGpq765ECemu_yrlfSVFGmJCPbOyacJMvUd_A0sCpbp37uvqAjbMaoNEMmjSs1preCna4VTKG1Hvw0S6rIi1bZ9cqY9GqZhwVKjhqwOt_xnFo/s2048/IMG_3092.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibubTp1Murt8crkJm8dw5NR7_xMhpI1Yl_qKQaoi47JLBtVUwOzqffMIoh9MZDzB0j2ITmhDdrLm5t1vLeGpq765ECemu_yrlfSVFGmJCPbOyacJMvUd_A0sCpbp37uvqAjbMaoNEMmjSs1preCna4VTKG1Hvw0S6rIi1bZ9cqY9GqZhwVKjhqwOt_xnFo/w400-h266/IMG_3092.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />Marco Sørensen said: “It feels amazing, it’s fantastic to start the season with a podium. We had a few small mistakes in the race, but I think we can be very proud of what we did. I don’t think we expected to be on the podium in the first race of the season, so I am very happy for the whole team. Congratulations in particular to Clément and Erwan, who did a great job on their first race in the WEC. I also have to say the #777 D’station Racing car felt like one of the fastest GT cars in the race, and that just says a great deal about how much potential the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 has. I am really looking forward to Imola.”<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source material - AMR<br /><br />Photo credits - D Gibson / N Dungan</span></div>The-Advantagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706338068241102327noreply@blogger.com