British GT champions Trackspeed have confirmed their intentions to defend their titles with two Porsche 911 GT3s on the series grid in 2011.
While drivers' champion David Ashburn is not confirmed as part of the team at this stage Trackspeed team manage Ricki Martino says they are “working hard on persuading” Ashburn to mount a title defence, adding “I wouldn't rule it out yet.”
Martino does confirm that they team has “sorted” a gentleman driver for one car who “is now weighing up his options with regard to his co-driver”. The names of both drivers will be revealed shortly.
The two Porsches from Trackspeed add a fourth manufacturer to the 2011 grid. Trackspeed's title rivals MTECH have already announced they will field a pair of new Ferrari 458 Italia, United Autosports will campaign two Audi R8 LMS and Team Pyro last week confirmed that former champions David and Godfrey Jones will swap their familiar Ascari for a brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3.
“It looks like it is going to be a very tough year to win,” says Martino, “but we fully intend to be out there giving it our best shot. The new cars coming in will make it a challenge for everyone, and the improvements to the technical and sporting regulations will make it closer still. I can see the title fight going down to the final round.”
“It is great news that Trackspeed is to return to defend its British GT title,” said series manager Benjamin Franassovicci “I think the field which is assembling will be the most diverse and exciting that the championship has seen for several seasons. At least 12 prestigious brands are set to take part, and three of these with new models; this, combined with the new „time penalty‟ format during pit stops, convinces me that races in 2011 will be even more exciting.”
The 2011 British GT Championship begins with a two-hour refuelling race at Oulton Park on April 25 – Easter Monday.
