TF Sport are all set to embark on a busy race programme spanning three differing and demanding championships, European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Blancpain Endurance Cup and British GT.
The first round of the ELMS series gets underway this week (13-15, April, 2017) at Silverstone and TF Sport feel they are as prepared as they can be for this big challenge. Also, this weekend, the British GT Championship gets underway (14-17 April) at Oulton Park where the team look to return to winning ways from the outset in their title defence.
ELMS – Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE
For TF Sport, stepping up the European Le Mans Series in the GTE class, is something of an honour, the move being granted after winning the GT Le Mans Cup support series in 2016. Racing the blue-liveried Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE with Nicki Thiim, Salih Yoluc and Euan Hankey, the team has already enjoyed an extensive test programme.
Test 1 – February, AMR Official test at Portimao
Test 2 – March, Monza ELMS prologue
Test 3 – April, Silverstone shakedown
TF Sport Director, Tom Ferrier: “The official Aston Martin test was all good. We had all the drivers on hand – as we did at the other tests. The Monza test last month in the official ELMS test and while not perfect as we lost a day of running after a minor shunt, we had a really good test and got through the programme without issues. We showed really good pace – we’re not sure all of our rivals were at full speed – but we’ll see when we get to the first round at Silverstone this week…”
British GT – Astron Martin V12 Vantage GT3
As defending champions in British GT, Derek Johnston and Jonny Adam are aiming for nothing but GT3 title success, while teammates Mark Farmer and Jon Barnes are also looking to add to their silverware collection.
Test 1 – February, AMR Official test at Portimao
Test 2 – Oulton Park, two days of running
Test 3 – Rockingham
Test 4 – Silverstone
“We have done a lot of running recently – especially at Rockingham with both cars and the testing there has been all good so far. We’re heading to Oulton Park in a positive frame of mind, keen to capitalise on any errors from our rivals, and to give both cars a really good shot of winning.
“We have a new tyre this year, the same tyre we’re using in Blancpain, so in a way it’s a bit of a reset and that’s why we have been putting in the laps at as many circuits as we could – to understand the tyres and how they work with the car.”
Blancpain Endurance Cup – Aston Martin GT3
Jonny Adam and Ahmad Al Harthy team up for TF Sport under the Oman Racing banner in the Pro-Am Blancpain Endurance Cup. The first round of the Endurance Cup starts at Monza 22-23 April.
Test 1 – March, Official Blancpain test, Paul Ricard
Test 2 – March, Monza
Test 3 – April, Silverstone.
