Sportscar star Marino Franchitti will be making a guest appearance in the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup this weekend with front-running outfit Total Control Racing, the talented Scotsman returning to his home circuit for the first time in ten years.
Edinburgh-based Franchitti, brother of Dario and cousin of Paul Di Resta, is the latest high-profile driver to compete in the Ginetta series, having been invited by Ginetta Cars chairman Lawrence Tomlinson to drive one of the 370bhp Ginetta G55's. Marino is hoping to pick up some success in front of his home crowd, despite his lack of recent experience of the track.
American Le Mans Series ace Franchitti said:“It's 10 years since I've raced at Knockhill, the track has been widened since then and they've had some profile changes on the corners so it will be like learning a new track. Plus, I've never driven a Ginetta before so it'll be a completely new challenge. I'm really looking forward to it all, it's going to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to race at home.
“When I knew I'd be with TCR it filled me with a lot of confidence, my friend Nic Hamilton races with the team in Renault Clios so I know a lot about them. Whatever championship TCR is in, they're up at the front. I just need to learn as quickly as possible – to get on the podium would be nice but we'll only know where we stack-up after testing on Friday.”
A delighted TCR team principal Lee Brookes added: “Obviously we're delighted to be running Marino this weekend at Knockhill, he's going to have plenty of home support and with the fantastic pedigree he has in sportscars we're certain he'll get adjusted to the Ginetta in no time at all and be very competitive.”
