TF Sport will enter a new-generation Aston Martin Vantage GT3 next season after confirming that Mark Farmer has extended his stay with the squad into a fourth British GT campaign.
The reigning Teams’ champions have run V12 Vantages since 2015 but are now switching to the model’s second iteration, which makes its global debut as Aston Martin’s frontline customer GT3 contender from 2019.
Farmer remained a championship protagonist up until the final round at Donington where he and co-driver Nicki Thiim finished second overall after also winning twice earlier in the campaign. The identity of Farmer’s 2019 co-driver will be revealed in due course.
British GT’s official entry process doesn’t open until October 26 but, as reigning Teams’ champions, TF Sport are guaranteed space on the 2019 grid. Early indications suggest demand will once again exceed the 36 combined slots available across both GT3 and GT4.
“I am excited to re-commit to the British GT Championship for 2019,” said Farmer, who finished third in this season’s final standings. “The racing is super-close, the Pro line-up is stellar and the occasions magnificent. We had a great run with the Aston Martin Vantage, and in particular last season, with two race wins and four more podiums from nine starts.
“Sadly, it wasn’t enough to win the championship, but it was good to take the fight to the wire. We consistently demonstrated our pace but were thwarted by bad luck in a couple of rounds, including a big fire at Spa which almost killed the car!
“As ever, TF Sport went above and beyond to deliver a race winning package, so I will be back in the TF fold in the new Aston Martin Vantage and - very excited - for another crack at the championship.”
Team director Tom Ferrier believes the new car should be a championship contender from the start.
“We are delighted to be back in British GT in GT3 with Mark,” he added. “The British GT Championship is the premier national series and for ourselves and Aston Martin Racing it is important to have a very strong presence. Mark was a front-runner all year this year and helped us win the Teams’ title. We want to get Mark the Drivers’ championship that he deserves next year.”
Oulton Park hosts the opening round of next season’s British GT Championship over Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (April 20 & 22).