The Bentley GT3 programme continues to be on the up, with increased efforts in key races for the M-Sport squad, which is looking to take the next step and win races like the Spa 24 Hours and titles like the Blancpain Endurance Championship.
And this week marked the 60th birthday of Team Principal Malcolm Wilson. Happy Birthday Malcolm, here’s an interview with the man himself from Sam Tickell at Bathurst after a very positive weekend for the Sport Bentley team:
It was no real surprise that the M-Sport Bentley squad committed to Stephane Ratel’s Intercontinental GT Challenge, having raced at Bathurst, Spa and Sepang in the previous year.
It was a case of what the plan was going to be for 2016 as a whole with Bentley, as Malcolm Wilson explains: it all fell into place for this season.
“They were on the calendar for any case for this year so Bentley decided to have representation. To be honest, it just fell into place.”
“So become a part of the Championship is great.”
The driver combinations for this squad has not been confirmed as yet but the drivers are excited about the prospect.
“It’s fantastic. This race is a classic race, like Spa and Sepang,” former Le Mans-winner Guy Smith said.
“It is important for Bentley in these markets to do well and from a driver’s point of view, if you’re in the position to fight for a Championship, it is really exciting.”
The Bentley Continental GT3 has undoubtedly been a strong GT car, taking a podium at Bathurst this year and leading the race for quite a time. It was also leading the race last year with just a couple laps left before being swamped by the eventual winning-Nissan and co, finishing an unlucky fourth.
Despite not taking the top step, the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hours is an event that has solidified itself in the mind of Wilson.
“I have to say, in my short time in GT3 racing there is no question, this [Bathurst] is my favourite circuit.”
For a man that has spent decades rallying, winning constructors titles for Ford, he has adapted to his GT surroundings well.
The entire M-Sport team adapted well, without the need to bring in specialised expertise. Wilson also sees the same romance in endurance racing that drew him to rallying in the first place.
“I have really enjoyed it. Particularly the endurance races.”
“In all honest there is a lot of similarities to what the rallies used to be in the old days. Every team member plays a vital part. If a mechanic slips taking a wheel in a wheel change that can be the time evaporating.
“So it is a great team effort particularly in the long distance events. I think the real thing I am pleased about is that we didn’t bring in any specific race people – be it technicals, engineers or designers.
“Basically what we had is the M-Sport team that has adapted, changed over from the rally side to the race side. That is something that is really rewarding.”
And it has been a program of highs, like winning second time out at Silverstone or partners HTP taking advantage of the Belgium Audi Club Team WRT’s capitulation to take the 2015 Blancpain Sprint Championship.
On the other hand they were close enough to smell the Blancpain Endurance Championship with the M-Sport squad. These disappointments are a part of sport, and something that M-Sport has bounced back from before.
“We were within 14 seconds of winning the Championship.”
“We need to go that next step. I feel confident. It is only our third season and we’ve definitely learnt a lot as a team, as M-Sport.
“We really need to deliver this year and win both Championships.”
There are no upgrades as such to the Bentley for this year and time will tell how it can stand up to the plethora of new machines that are hitting the GT3 scene this year.
But with another year’s experience and Abt taking over the customer duties in VLN and GT Masters, further wins in Europe, America and Asia must be at the top of mind for Malcolm Wilson.
Sam Tickell
