Will Stevens has announced he will be prioritising his focus on a duel championship challenge in the Blancpain GT Series’ Sprint and Endurance Cups in 2017.
Signing on with Belgian Audi Club Team WRT for a second season, Stevens will be joined by Markus Winkelhock and Marcel Fässler for the Sprint Cup, plus Dries Vanthoor in the Endurance Cup in an Audi R8 LMS.
“I’m very pleased to be continuing my relationship with Belgian Audi Club Team WRT and to be racing the Audi R8 LMS again.” said Stevens. “I’ve made the decision to prioritise GT racing and specifically the two Blancpain Series this year. Both will be incredibly competitive again in 2017 but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
The 25-year-old made the switch to Blancpain GT racing last year and secured an impress three podiums in the highly competitive GT3 category. 2016 also saw the former Formula 1 driver contest the FIA World Endurance Championship with G-Drive Racing, but the Brit has chosen to concentrate on the Blancpain series this year despite a number of WEC drive offers.
Credit: Martyn Pass Public Relations Limited
“The racing will be extremely close and it requires full focus to be successful. I had several very good opportunities to also continue my career in the WEC but there are a couple of date clashes. For my career in the long term, I believe it’s best I concentrate on the Blancpain campaigns although I’d love to return to Le Mans which would fit in with this year’s Blancpain calendar.
“The experience I gained in my first GT3/LMP season and driving alongside René [Rast], will also serve me well this season. I’m delighted to have Markus, Marcel and Dries as co-drivers in order that we can challenge for race victories and be in contention for championship title success.” he added.
Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of Belgian Audi Club Team WRT is delighted to have secured the services of Stevens for another season.
“Having shown good potential with us last year in his first GT3 season, I’m certain Will is going to do a very good job in 2017 with WRT.” said Vosse.
“Last year’s results didn’t really show his true pace, his performances deserved better results. I’m confident he will shine this season. He’s totally focussed on Blancpain and ‘his’ car will be a strong performer in both the Sprint and Endurance Cup events.”
