Several teams have confirmed driver line-ups ahead of the Spa 24 Hours later this month.
Darren Turner Joins MP Motorsport
MP Motorsport have confirmed that Aston Martin Racing works driver Darren Turner will join the Blancpain Endurance Series team regulars Mark Poole, Richard Abra and Joe Osborne in the #38 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
“I’m really looking forward to the Spa 24 Hours, as it’s always a great event,” Turner said. “I’ve worked with Mark and Richard on a few test days this year, which have gone really well and it will be good to race with them at Spa, along with Joe.
“There’s no reason why we can’t get a good result at Spa. Everything is in place: we all have a lot of miles in the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 under our belts, we just need to keep calm and keep it on the black stuff.”
Newly appointed Aston Martin works driver Abra added: “The 24 Hours of Spa is a race I’ve always wanted to do so I’m thrilled to be going there this year, and with a great team.
“We’ve scored great results in the Blancpain Endurance Series already this year, and I believe we can continue that form at Spa.
“Of course, you need a bit of luck to do well in endurance racing, but everything we can be prepared for, we’ll be prepared for. Bringing Darren in is fantastic, and it’s a sign that this team is only moving forward. He’s one of the world’s best GT drivers – I’m really pleased to work with him again.”
Marc VDS Field Two Strong Squads
BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS are bouncing back from a disappointing Nurburgring 24 Hours with a two car attack at Spa.
The #66 BMW Z4 GT3 will see BMW works drivers Jörg Müller, Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus race together whilst the team’s #77 BMW will field Bas Leinders, Dirk Werner and Markus Palttala.
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt:
“After struggling with technical issues and not achieving the results we had hoped for last year, we are extremely motivated to succeed in this year’s race. You could say that the BMW Z4 GT3 has a score to settle with this classic.”
Bas Leinders:
“The 24-hour race in Spa is our home event, which obviously makes it a very special race for us. I am pleased that we are once again able to line up with two very strong driver line-ups this year, thanks to the support of BMW Motorsport.
“The BMW Z4 GT3 is extremely reliable this season. As a result, we are confident that we can make it onto the podium this year, after finishing fourth in 2012 and last year’s misfortune.”
Jörg Müller:
“It is great to be back at the 24 Hours of Spa. Together with Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus, we have assembled a really strong trio. The BMW Z4 GT3 has been very impressive this season, so I am confident that we will challenge for a top result in Spa.”
Maxime Martin:
“I have been racing at the 24 Hours of Spa since 2006, so it is definitely my home race. I think I have a good chance alongside my team-mates Augusto and Jörg, as they have both experience and speed – everything you need to be successful in an endurance.”
Augusto Farfus:
“I am very much looking forward to taking part in one of the biggest races for GT cars. I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a chance of winning with the BMW Z4 GT3 and such a strong trio of drivers. This will be my first outing at this classic. It means an awful lot to me, as I will have competed at all the major 24-hour races in the world by the end of the weekend.”
Dirk Werner:
“The 24-hour race in Spa is one of my favourite races. I have fond memories of my races in 2010 and 2011, both of which I ended on the podium.
“The track is a highlight and, with what is a very durable BMW Z4 GT3 this year and my strong team-mates, we can hopefully be right up there among the front-runners again.”
Markus Palttala:
“I really love the circuit in Spa, it’s my absolute favorite. I’ve been a part of the 24-hour-race from the beginning of its GT-era. My first start was back in 2000 and this will be my 14th.
“So I know what to expect and how to deal with the special challenges of such a marathon. I’ve won the class there, but my dream is to win it outright once in my career. We finished fourth in 2012 and were leading last year with the BMW Z4 GT3, so I know we have a package to do it if we get everything right.”
TDS Add Pla, Thiriet and Klingmann
TDS Racing has confirmed their additional drivers for Spa with the #12 Pro-AM BMW adding 2012 ELMS Champion Pierre Thiriet and BMW Factory man Jens Klingmann to season regulars Nick Catsburg and Henry Hassid.
The sister #10 car meanwhile sees Olivier Pla added to full season trio Eric Clèment, Benjamin Lariche and Nicolas Armindo.
Lapierre Continues with ART
Toyota works LMP1 driver Nicolas Lapierre will continue his campaign with ART Grand Prix at Spa where he again replaces Alexandre Prémat in the #98 McLaren joining Grégoire Demoustier and Alvaro Parente.
Nicolas Lapierre:
“I have participated twice in the 24 Hours of Spa and I loved this magical event and can’t wait to do it again with ART Grand Prix and Toyota providing me the opportunity to do so. ART Grand Prix offering me a seat and Toyota allowing me to accept it so I would like to thank both great manufacturers for their actions. I have known Frédéric Vasseur for a long time and we have always had an excellent relationship.
“I hold ART Grand Prix in high esteem and I know the drivers I will team up with, Alvaro Parente and Grégoire Demoustier, particularly well. They are friends and great professionals. It is a pleasure and an honor to meet this challenge with them in the Blancpain Endurance Series.”
Frédéric Vasseur:
“Nicolas Lapierre is a driver who displays such fantastic natural talent at every opportunity he is presented with. He has achieved great things, both in singleseaters and endurance racing. ART Grand Prix is very pleased to welcome him to the Blancpain Endurance Series key events where his expertise will be a major asset.
“I also want to thank Alexandre Prémat for his active participation in the early part of the season. He played a big role in our victory at Monza and I hope we have another opportunity to work together.”
van der Drift Stays Aboard At Boutsen Ginion
Chris van der Drift will complete the season with Boutsen Ginion Racing after a season debut on the #16 McLaren at Paul Ricard alongside Shahan Sarkissian and Alex Demirdjian.
