United Autosports has today announced that Mark Patterson and Matt Bell will return to the Avon Tyres British GT Championship next year, after signing up again with the Leeds-based squad for a second year driving together.
Patterson and Bell, who finished as runners-up this season by just 1.5 points, are aiming to go one place better in 2014 and become the first Audi-powered Champions in the history of the popular national GT series.
After a rollercoaster year, Patterson and Bell took a storming win in the season finale at Donington Park just over a month ago, promoting the pair to second in the final championship standings and helping South African racer Patterson clinch the inaugural Blancpain Gentleman Drivers Trophy too.
The news today means Newcastle-born Bell will compete in his fourth successive full season in British GT, and 2014 will be both drivers fifth year with the Anglo-American team.
Next season British GT will visit six top British tracks and also visit the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. More new team and driver information will be released before the end of the year as the series receives unparalleled levels of interest from competitors new and old.
Quotes
Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:
“We are thrilled that both Mark and Matt are returning to United next year for the British GT Championship. 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.”
Zak Brown, Team Owner, United Autosports:
“I’m delighted that Mark and Matt will be with United Autosports in the British GT Championship again next year. They missed the title by 1.5 points last season and I’ve no doubt they will do even better in 2014.”
Mark Patterson, Driver, United Autosports:
“I’m so pleased to be back with United for the 2014 British GT Championship. 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.”
Matt Bell, Driver, United Autosports:
“Joining United again for the 2014 championship is great, 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.”
Benjamin Franassovici, British GT Championship Manager:
“I am very happy to confirm this early entry of Mark and Matt with United Autosports. They came very close to the title by just 1.5 points this year and Matt’s speed and experience in British GT is now a big plus, paired with Mark who has shown his ability by winning the Blancpain’s Gentleman Trophy this year.”