Dries Vanthoor, known for his success in GT racing, will be making a one-off appearance in the British GT Championship at Silverstone. He will be driving a BMW M4 GT3 for Century Motorsport in the three-hour race scheduled for 26-28 April. This opportunity arose due to the change in plans for the original driver, Dan Harper, who was replaced by Vanthoor at the last minute.
Expectations and Goals
Vanthoor expressed his excitement for the upcoming race, acknowledging the strong performance of the team in the previous season. Despite the pressure to match the achievements of his predecessors, he remains determined to give his best on the track. With the race being broadcast live on Motorsport.tv, Vanthoor is eager to showcase his skills and deliver a competitive performance.
Backstory and Preparation
Leung, Vanthoor’s co-driver for the race, is returning to the British GT Championship after winning the title in the 2023 season. Their partnership was initially planned for a one-off appearance at Silverstone, but circumstances led to a full-season commitment for Harper. However, the seamless availability of Vanthoor as a factory driver for BMW allowed for a smooth transition for the upcoming race.
Vanthoor’s racing credentials speak for themselves, with multiple championship titles and a victory at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. His speed and skill on the track are highly regarded, but his dedicated approach and commitment to excellence are equally impressive. Leung acknowledges Vanthoor’s qualities and looks forward to their collaboration in defending their previous win at Silverstone.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
Century Motorsport has had a slow start to the British GT season, with a ninth-place finish being their best result so far. The addition of Vanthoor brings a renewed sense of optimism and competitiveness to the team. Meanwhile, Optimum Motorsport is fielding a second McLaren 720S GT3 for Silverstone, adding to the depth of the grid for the upcoming race meet.
The British GT Championship at Silverstone will feature a competitive 44-car grid, including familiar names like Jann Mardenborough, the 2011 GT Academy winner, who is making a return to the series. With multiple teams and drivers vying for success, the race promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and enthusiasts alike.