High Class Racing have unveiled Mark Patterson and Anders Fjordbach as their driver pairing for the 2021 Fanatec GT2 European Series.
Both drivers will contest the full five-event calendar behind the wheel of a new Audi R8 LMS GT2, the pair, who mostly recently shared the cockpit during the 2019-20 FIA World Endurance Championship season reunited and marking a return to GT racing for Patterson for the first time since 2016.
“I’m so happy to continue racing with HCR, especially with Anders, and in this growling monster put together by Audi,” said Patterson.
“I hung up my racing boots late last year, until this opportunity presented itself. Very exciting indeed.”
Fjordbach will dovetail his GT2 campaign with a full-season drive in the WEC, and his previous track record at this level – twice a winner at the Dubai 24 Hours and a former VLN champion – will put the pair amongst the front-runners for Pro-Am honours this season.
“What a year ahead! I’m pretty happy with the step we’re taking this year, introducing the team again in GT racing,” added Fjordbach.
“I believe we have a strong package, and I will try to use all my GT experience and know-how to be a valuable asset to the team.
“Of course, it’s also a pleasure to return to GT events and this car is just amazing to drive. I can’t wait to extract all its potential at Monza next April.”
HCR’s Audi R8 turned a wheel in anger for the first time during a shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in March in Fjordbach’s hands, with both drivers set to clock up further mileage in testing before the season’s start.
“We are happy and proud to be able to put together such an ambitious racing program for the upcoming season with this new chapter in GT racing,” commented HCR’s Team Manager, Nikolaj Johansen.
“I’m pretty sure that Fjordbach-Patterson connection along with Audi support will give us many joys throughout the year. We can all hardly wait for it to finally start.”
The Fanatec GT2 European Series is an all-new championship featuring a pair of 50-minute sprint races for either single or two-driver entries.
It’s maiden race, set to take place on the support bill for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS season opener at Monza next month, will be followed by further dates at Hockenheim, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps before concluding at Paul Ricard in the autumn.
