2013 championship runners-up Matt Bell and Mark Patterson have become the first driving duo to confirm a return to the Avon Tyres British GT Championship for next season.
The pairing, who won the final round of the championship at Donington Park, are set to once again race with United Autosports in an Audi R8 LMS GT3 that took them to just 1.5 points from the title in a tense finale. South African Patterson was also the recipient the inaugural Blancpain Gentleman Drivers Trophy.
“We are thrilled that both Mark and Matt are returning to United next year for the British GT Championship,” said team co-owner Richard Dean. “They were one of the best pro-am pairings in the 2013 field, proven by the consistent results, so to have them back together after forming such a solid relationship is great news for the team.”
For both men 2014 will be their fifth year with the team, with Bell to embark on a fourth consecutive British GT campaign and his third in the GT3 class having taken overall wins in both 2011 and 2012.
“Joining United again for the 2014 championship is great,” said Newcastle-born Bell, “as is being partnered with Mark for the second year running. Mark was easily one of the best gentlemen drivers in the 2013 field so we are very hopeful for what 2014 could bring.”
“I’m so pleased to be back with United for the 2014 British GT Championship,” added Patterson. “I have been racing with the team for four years now and there’s no other team I’d rather be with. Driving with Matt is such a pleasure and I’ve learnt a lot from him in the short time we have been driving together so I’m feeling very positive for 2014.”
