GLPK Carsport is an amalgamation of the Carsport Holland and GLPK racing teams: the Corvette will be maintained in GLPK Racing’s workshop, by GLPK mechanics, but with engineers provided by both teams.

“For the new team, created to take part in the FIA-GT championship, it is a very prestigious challenge," comments Toine Hezemans. "To find oneself on the international scene with the support of Cadillac & Corvette Europe is an honour and, above all, an opportunity to be seized. The contract concerning the C5-R is now signed, and the adventure can begin …"

The chassis is one of the two Corvette Racing C5-Rs which won the ALMS GTS Class last year.

"This Corvette benefits from the latest 2004 developments," explains Bert Longin, "which means that it will be equipped with latest-generation Xtrac sequential gearbox, as well as the latest engine development and the most efficient aerodynamic package. With a car like that, I’m sure we can lay claim to a prominent place in the FIA GT championship. In the course of its career, the C5-R has won everywhere it has gone, whether in ALMS or at the Le Mans 24 Hours. It is the first time that such a car will be involved in the FIA GT, and we are very confident. I even think it is the only serious rival for the Maserati MC12…"

“The hardest thing for the team will be to make a good impression at the opening of the FIA GT championship,” comments Mike Hezemans. “Because of quite tight deadlines, we will be unable to test the car before Monza, and this initial race will be an unknown quantity for us…"

The team is considering entering the Spa 1000 Km, in preparation for the Spa 24 Hours, “but nothing is yet decided (regarding this event),” says Mike Hezemans.

Pirelli tyres will play a very important role in the programme.

"It is very important to have support like this from a tyre manufacturer, especially at the European level,” explains Anthony Kumpen. “In this way, after Monza, we are already sure of carrying out several test sessions, which will allow us not only to continue learning about the Corvette, but also to accelerate its development. What is already certain is that the potential of the car is enormous and this is a great source of motivation for everybody. I think that we are on the eve of a great adventure, and you can count on the entire GLPK Carsport team to get its quintessential best from this extraordinary car very quickly …"

So a Maserati at Sebring and a Corvette in the FIA GT Championship – and both on Pirellis. The crossover between series (if not between rules) is almost complete.