Three-time British GT champion and Aston Martin Racing factory driver Jonny Adam has certainly not been resting on his laurels since being crowned at Donington in September.
In fact, he already has part of his 2019 season mapped out after it was announced he will partner fellow Scotsman Graham Davidson and return to the familiar surroundings of TF Sport to contest the British GT Championship once again.
Here he outlines his thoughts on what the future holds, even though he’s still to finish his 2018 race commitments as he explains…
Q: You’ve already had a new BGT team and team-mate confirmed for next season before this one has even finished, is it a bonus to get a deal sorted early?
“Yes it’s a great position to be in as it gives myself and Graham good preparation time to focus on getting to know one another and hitting the simulator ahead of a test program with TF Sport in the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3.”
Q: How did the deal come about, did you have other options?
“The deal happened pretty quickly with confirmation from Aston Martin Racing not long ago that I would be back in British GT to support Graham and TF Sport. I’m excited to get started and be ready ahead of the 2019 season. It’s always a big challenge when things change, but one I look forward to.”
Q: Given that you’ll also be running a new car too it really is all change, realistically what do think your prospects are in BGT next season?
“The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is now fully signed off, and not only is the reliability strong the driveability is a big step forward to its very successful predecessor. So I think the car will be great, Graham will only improve in his second year in BGT, and TF Sport always prepare fantastic cars, so the aim is to mount a challenge for the title. I am hungrier than ever to deliver results and a fourth championship would be another major milestone.”
Q: With three BGT titles already under your belt, was it a certainty that you’d return back try to win a fourth? Or were you tempted to try your hand at something else?
“I think British GT is up there in terms of great competition as a ProAM championship, possibly the best in Europe. The amateur drivers are of a very high level and consistently improve every year, and the professional side always attracts top factory drivers as seen in 2018. I was keen to return as it’s a new challenge again with a new teammate and car which keeps things fresh, plus there’s the opportunity to set a few more records!”
Q: The final BGT race at Donington this season was pretty dramatic as usual, what have you been up to since the high of winning the title showdown? Have you been taking it easy or keeping busy?
“It’s been very busy! I’ve helped to secure a second place finish at Fuji in the World Endurance Championship with TF Sport along with Salih Yoluc and Charlie Eastwood, which is great for their title challenge in the ProAm class. Testing has been very busy too with new customers trying AMR’s cars, and also finishing off our factory endurance testing with the brand new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and GT4. The cars are performing very well and the team at AMR are happy with the development programme. Cars will be built soon for delivery to current and also new customer teams.”
Q: What else do you have lined up before the 2018 season is done?
“I’ve got two more races before the season finishes. Next weekend I’m in Shanghai for the World Endurance Championship with TF Sport, and then in December I get the chance to race with my former Blancpain Endurance Series teammate Ahmad Al-Harthy and Le Mans 24 Hour winner Darren Turner at the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi. We will race under the Oman Racing banner with TF Sport, and this is a special event as it’s the first customer race of the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3.”
Q: You’re an experienced, multiple title, record-breaking, Le Mans winning driver these days – but did you learn anything new in 2018?
“I think what I learned all over again was about the preparation and detail required to win a championship. I’ve been lucky to have done it before, but to see how much effort both Flick Haigh and the team at Optimum Motorsport put in this year was a privilege and the results speak for themselves. I spent 26 hours this season on the simulator with Flick fine-tuning her driving technique for the Aston Martin Vantage, and the effort she put in really did pay off on race weekends.”
Q: Anything exciting planned for during the close season? It’s rumoured this one may be slightly busier than usual…
“Yes, especially just before the New Year. I’ll be marrying my life team-mate Rachel back in Scotland and we can’t wait for the big day with our friends and family. It’s definitely going to be the biggest and most important contract I’ve signed to date!”
