Corvette Racing has confirmed it will compete in the full nine race calendar of the American Le Mans Series with it's GT2 machines, as well debuting the car at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.
“We are pleased and honored that the new GT2 Corvette C6.R has been invited by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to compete in the world’s most prestigious sports car race,” said GM Racing's Mark Kent. “Our objective is to carry forward Corvette’s legacy of success as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first participation at Le Mans.”
“This year’s race will certainly be a challenge because of the depth and quality of the competition in the GT2 division. The entries represent the world’s most storied sports car brands and underscore the relevance and value of racing production-based cars.”
The entry list for the endurance classic, announced last week sees a pair of Corvettes amongst a field that also includes familiar GT2 names Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and Spyker. Jaguar and BMW will also make their GT2 debut alongside Corvette, who switched from GT1 to GT2 last season ahead of a change in regulations, though the older cars have since been grandfathered in for 2010.
The team has also confirmed their entry into the ultra-competitive GT2 class in the ALMS.
“While Corvette is truly a global brand, our most important market is North America,” concedes Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. “Our participation in the American Le Mans Series is both a proving ground for our technology and a showcase to demonstrate Corvette’s capabilities for our customers and fans.”
The season opening 12 Hours of Sebring will also see the debut of the latest recruit to Corvette Racing as former works Porsche driver Emmanuel Collard joins the team as third driver to Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta.
However, Frenchman Collard is not a new recruit to GM's wider racing program having driven for the short-lived Cadillac LMP squad.
“We are pleased to welcome Emmanuel back to the GM Racing family,” said Fehan. “He has proven his ability at all levels of racing, and he understands the demands and discipline of endurance racing. He will be a valuable addition to our international line-up of championship-winning drivers.”
Antonio Garcia continues as third driver in the second car, both he and Collard will also join the team for Le Mans and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in October.
Corvette Racing's 2010 campaign will see the continuation of Compuware's sponsorship of the team, having been primary sponsor for the previous eight year.
“Compuware software and experts ensure that our customers’ most demanding business applications perform at their best,” said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. “. Like the Corvette Racing team, Compuware stands for uninterrupted, optimal performance – whatever the environment – and we look forward to producing another great year on the track.”
