Michael Vergers, the Dutch racing ace, has been given an advisory and support role in the Pirelli British GT Championship by series organisers, SRO and the BRSCC.
The 46-year-old racer will support BRSCC and SRO with judicial decisions in the remaining races of the 2016 season with immediate affect, but will not be providing coaching advice for drivers in the top British series.
Speaking earlier today, Vergers commented: “I’m very happy to be approached to do this role. I’m a driver at heart, but the opportunities to race aren’t always there now, so this role gives me the ability to use my experience in a new capacity.”
Using a former racing driver or a current driver with significant experience has long been an ask of teams and drivers in the top national series, and the move comes as SRO seek to eradicate issues that do little to enhance the reputation of the series, following a challenging opening weekend at Brands Hatch a fortnight ago.
Sportscar stars Tom Kristensen and Alexander Wurz have performed a similar role in Formula 1 at the request of FIA president Jean Todt, who wanted experienced drivers to help offer racing insight for stewards.
Notable voices in the paddock were pleased with the appointment of Vergers.
Motorbase Performance Team Manager, Ricki Martino: “It’s the right thing to do and we’d welcome more too. Too often races are dictated by decisions made without true racing driver insight. This is a positive thing for the championship.”
Barwell Motorsport Team Principal Mark Lemmer added, “It’s great news. We’re all aware of Michael’s calibre and pedigree, so he’s the right type of guy to do this job. The series has moved on a lot in recent years on the track, and for the off track organisation this is a progressive move.”
Drivers too also shared their support with pole-sitter Derek Johnston (TF Sport), who is also a former racing rival of Vergers saying, “He definitely knows his stuff, I’ve raced against him in Radicals. He’ll know if it is a racing incident or something more sinister! We might not be able to argue in quite the same way now, but fairs fair and if we’ve done wrong we need to be told.”
Joe Osborne (AMDtuning.com) also commented: “It’s a good move by SRO. We’ve asked for this for some time, hopefully this will ensure the racer’s view is understood and represented with greater clarity.”
