Matt Chapman will make his British GT Championship debut with Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing this season alongside Sam Webster.
The 17-year-old graduates to GT4 as 2016 Ginetta GT5 Challenge runner-up after taking the place of Howard Fuller, who was previously announced as Webster’s co-driver aboard the reigning British GT4 Teams’ champion’s #63 Ginetta G55.
Chapman shook down the car for the first time at Oulton Park last week and was impressed by the step up in performance between the GT5 and GT4 Ginettas.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to be racing in British GT this season; it’s an amazing opportunity,” he said. “I’ve not spent that long in the car but could feel the difference straight away. The GT4 has more than double the horsepower and more grip, so will take some getting used to.
“The opposition also looks very tough this season with a few drivers stepping down from GT3, but the team are clearly very motivated to retain their Teams’ title. Sam and I are equally up for the challenge and expect to be mixing it at the sharp it.”
Team boss Tony Gilham confirmed that Fuller would remain a part of his team’s plans for 2017, but that he would no longer feature in its British GT programme.
Chapman and both Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing Ginettas will be at Snetterton tomorrow for British GT’s annual pre-season media day. Gates open to the public at 9am and admission is free.