The Oman Racing Team has its sights set high as the Motorbase-run squad heads to the world-famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit for round five of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship this coming Friday and Saturday (July 10/11).
After a long six week break, the championship resumes for a two hour contest on the challenging Belgium circuit, and with 34 cars expected to make the only overseas contest on the calendar, David Bartrum’s squad have a tough challenge ahead.
Following an impressive start to the season, with one win and two podiums from the opening four rounds, the Oman Racing Team has a comfortable 40.5 point lead in the Teams’ championship standings. Rory Butcher and Liam Griffin are also well positioned to continue their challenge on the current championship leaders, with the #6 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 drivers currently in 2nd place overall, a mere 11.5 points behind Sims and Attard.
A strong performance at Rockingham and Silverstone has also seen Daniel Lloyd and Ahmad Al Harthy extend a healthy lead in the Silver Cup GT3 class and the pair head to the legendary Spa circuit looking to carry this form forward and claim another podium in the #2 Vantage.
Motorbase Team Boss David Bartrum is confident of a good result for the Oman Racing Team, and with good reason, having taken an impressive double podium at the Ardennes circuit last year. “This is the first part of our two trips to Spa this month, and the part of the year that I look most forward to;” said Bartrum. “Spa itself is a fantastic circuit. It’s a real drivers’ circuit on an unparalleled level. Last year’s British GT round proved very successful for us there and I’m hoping for more of the same.”
“It’s an event everyone in the team really looks forward to;” continued Bartrum. “On paper, the long, fast and flowing layout should suit the Vantage well and hopefully we can enjoy a result as good as, if not better than last year’s.”
Following Friday morning’s free practice sessions, qualifying commences at 16.05 local time (15.05 UK time) with Saturday’s (July 11) two hour race getting underway at 12:15 local time (11.15am UK time).
Channel 4 will feature race highlights from 7am on Saturday July 18th with Motors TV broadcasting its highlights show later that day from 6.25pm. A full TV schedule can be found on the official British GT Championship website here.
MotorsTV can be found on the following channels: Sky 447, Virgin 545 and Freeview 71 & 240.
Driver quotes:
Rory Butcher:
“It’s a fantastic feeling to be heading back to one of the greatest circuits in the world and I’m eager to take on Eau Rouge in the Aston. Team work will be key in this weekend’s 2 hour event; hopefully we can repeat the success of last year!”
Liam Griffin:
“Having never raced at Spa I feel I am at a bit of a disadvantage so it will be crucial for me to get some good seat time on Friday and try to get on the pace of things.
“We need a strong finish to keep the pressure on Marco [Attard] and Alexander [Sims] and we will certainly give it a go. Rory had a good finish here last year and we will be looking for the same again.”
Daniel Lloyd:
“It feels like an age since we were last out in the championship, so I’m really looking forward to the weekend and continuing our strong form from Rockingham and Silverstone. It’s going to be tough with the extra weight on board, but the nature of the track should suit the Aston well.”
Ahmad Al Harthy:
“We know we have a good car at Spa, the team performed well there last year and we’re all going back with a lot of confidence and positivity. The weather is always a big factor, rain is often a risk, but as we know from Silverstone we’re quick in the wet and dry so should be strong.”