The GT4 class of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship continues to grow, with TF Sport adding a second Aston Martin Vantage to the class as they expand their operation in the championship.
Tom Ferrier’s team – taking over the GT operation formerly run under the Scuderia Vittoria banner – will run a car for Aston Martin GT4 Challenge champion Andrew Jarman and Renault UK Clio Cup standout Devon Modell. The squad, named as a Aston Martin Racing partner team for 2014, will field Andy Schulz and Paul Bailey as they step up to GT3 having entered two British GT rounds in 2013 in the GTC class.
“I think we have exciting prospects and it’s great to have two Aston Martins on the British GT grid in both the GT3 and GT4 classes,” said Ferrier. “Not only does this strengthen TF Sport’s link with Aston Martin Racing, but it means we are forming a ‘stairway of talent’ where aspiring sports car drivers can rise through the ranks within the TF Sport and Aston Martin folds. GT4 presents drivers with a fab opportunity to hone their craft in preparation for careers in GT3 and beyond.”
For Jarman the move in the British GT Championship is a step up the Aston Martin ranks, coming into the championship after winning the single make championship last season.
“Having won the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge in 2013, the British GT Championship is the next logical step and I was keen to remain within the Aston Martin family while joining a first-rate team,” said Jarman.
He continued; “it’s fantastic to continue my relationship with my personal sponsors, TXM Recruit, TXM Plant, Danbro and Raildoor Solutions. One of British GT’s big selling points is how prestigious the championship is. It has established itself as one of the top GT series in the world and the exposure and coverage it receives should give my backers a great deal of value. I hope they get to see me on the podium!”
“I’m obviously well acquainted with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, I know it’s a great car and the goal is to win the 2014 British GT4 title by achieving regular race wins and podium finishes. If I achieve podiums throughout the year I’ll still see it as a success, but a lot will be determined by how the balance of performance between the different makes and model of car is worked out and whether there’s a level playing field.”
For Modell the move in GT racing represents a first move into rear-wheel drive cars after a successful 2013 which ended with victory in the ‘Autumn Cup’ of the Renault UK Clio Cup. He got his first chance to test the car at the Oulton Park track that will host the opening races of the championship.
“On the whole, I’m delighted with how the test went and it fills me with optimism ahead of the season,” he reflected. “I lapped within a second of last year’s pole position time, which is significant considering my lack of rear-wheel-drive experience. We won’t know where we stand until either next week’s Media Day or qualifying at the season-opener. I have to say, I’m impressed with TF Sport. Tom clearly knows what he’s talking about and, without boosting his ego too much, he was a pretty decent driver in his day too. The team is smart and well presented and it definitely won’t look out of place in the British GT paddock.”
TF Sport’s GT4 entry joins that of 2013 GT3 champions Beechdean Motorsport, who expand their own team in the series. They will take on teams with Ginetta, Porsche, Lotus and BMW machinery.
