Salih Yoluc and Euan Hankey will progress to the British GT Championship for 2015, driving a Von Ryan Racing prepared McLaren 650S GT3.
Having made a positive impression last year driving Ginetta machinery, the pair will make the switch to the British GT Championship’s GT3 class, competing against a formidable field that will include Ferrari‘s, Aston Martin’s and BMW‘s.
Turkish rising star Yoluc has attracted plenty of attention since bursting onto the international racing scene in January, when he and former Porsche Carrera Cup GB star Hankey helped Optimum Motorsport to a class win at the Dubai 24 Hours. The 29 year old will be making his GT3 debut this year, and is hoping that the British GT Championship will open further opportunities in sportscar racing.
“I’ve had a great time getting to this point in my racing, and now I face the biggest test of my ability so far,” said Yoluc.
“I’ve been working closely with Euan to understand what I need to do and I’m aware that I’m now up against the big boys. Dave [Ryan, Von Ryan Team Principal] and the team have been fantastic so far and it feels like one big family. I’m realistic about 2015; I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve not come this far to just make up the number and be happy with tenth place.”
“The team have the same mentality as Euan and I; they just want to go out, do the job and win races. The 650S should give us every chance to do that, we’re confident it’s the right car for us and look forward to seeing its potential in 2015.”
Hankey, meanwhile, is also relishing the opportunity of competing in British GT. The former single seater and Porsche driver is aiming to raise his stock in the GT3 ranks, as well as building a successful racing partnership with Yoluc.
“Salih has been a superb student of the sport since we started working together,” said 27-year-old Hankey. “To say it’s been an upward learning curve for him is a massive understatement, but over the past eighteen months he’s experienced most race scenarios, weather conditions and night racing, proving himself in some extremely tough races against some formidable competition.”
The pair will contest the opening round of the British GT Championship at Oulton Park’s Easter weekend meeting on April 4-6.
Yoluc and Hankey will both be on hand to unveil the Von Ryan Racing McLaren 650S’ new livery at Brands Hatch on March 25.