The British GT organisers have released the championship’s 2020 entry list this morning at the annual Media Day, which features 35 cars, meaning the championship will run with a max capacity grid this season.
The list features a whopping 19 GT3 cars, the British GT Championship’s largest number since 2014 and 16 GT4s. This is also the first time since 2014 that there have been more full-season GT3 entrants than GT4s. Guest-entries will also join the field from Silverstone onwards.
“We are absolutely delighted with the interest in GT3, which has surpassed our expectations,” said Lauren Granville, British GT’s championship manager.
“We knew just after entries opened in October that the 15 reserved spaces were likely to sell out following 2019’s strong season, but the number of GT4 drivers stepping up has been a particularly pleasant surprise. British GT provides an opportunity for young drivers and amateurs to progress, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to seeing this year.
“The number of two-car GT4 teams and mix of returning and new drivers also points towards an exciting season. Every team has achieved British GT success in the past so I expect this year’s championship to be one of the most competitive on record.”
The GT3 class’ current full-season list is significantly larger than last year’s, with four more cars than took part in the 2019 season.
Several factors have contributed to the increase, including renewed Silver Cup interest, plus the addition of GT4’s last two Pro/Am title-winning crews and its current overall champion, Tom Canning.
Both reigning GT3 champions also return, albeit split across TF Sport’s two entries, offering the potential for more British GT history to be made. Graham Davidson will attempt to become the first amateur to successfully defend the GT3 crown, while Jonny Adam could win a record-extending fifth title with as many different co-drivers.
Barwell are expected to confirm their second pairing in the coming weeks while the 19th entry (a TBA) represents a seventh manufacturer not currently amongst the confirmed GT3 list. GT3 cars from Aston Martin, Mercedes, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, and Lamborghini are currently listed.
Half of the 16 GT4 cars on the list are McLaren 570S GT4s, though there is still plenty of variety here.
Many fans will look forward to debut of Speedworks’ new-for-2020 Toyota GR Supra GT4, which will race against customer teams from McLaren, Ford, Aston Martin, Audi and BMW.
While McLaren now holds the numerical advantage with eight 570S GT4s defending Teams’ and Drivers’ champions TF Sport fly the flag for Aston Martin. The team has chosen Media Day to confirm its second entry will feature former British F4 and Ginetta Junior champion Jamie Caroline plus Porsche Carrera Cup GB front-runner Daniel Vaughan.
Buckingham-based team Steller, whose Audi won twice last season, take on two-car teams like Century Motorsport (BMW), Academy (Ford), HHC and Balfe (both McLaren), which has expanded its British GT commitment in 2020.
Two former GT4 champions, Graham Johnson (2016) and Matt Nicoll-Jones (2008) feature on the list along with McLaren’s four Driver Development Programme members who have again been placed with 2019 Teams’ Championship runner-up, Tolman Motorsport.
Ollie Millroy also makes his first British GT appearance since 2012 as part of Optimum’s new-look McLaren GT4 programme, which also features Brendan Iribe, Nick Moss and James Pickford.
In terms of tyres, Pirelli’s new P Zero DHE and DHB tyres will be used in the GT3 and GT4 classes, respectively. The new constructions, which replace DHD2 and DH, provide an even more consistent and stable tyre that is capable of delivering optimal performance throughout an ample range of track and weather conditions.
McLaren also returns for a fifth season as British GT’s official Safety Car partner.
Oulton Park hosts the first of this year’s seven British GT rounds over Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (April 11 & 13).
