> Reigning champions back with two-car attack
TF Sport will defend its British GT4 Teams’ and Drivers’ titles in 2020 with a pair of Aston Martin Vantages.
Patrick Kibble returns for a second season with the West Sussex-based team where he’s joined by 2019 sparring partner Connor O’Brien. TF Sport’s second line-up will be announced before Oulton Park hosts the Intelligent Money British GT Championship’s opening round on April 11 & 13.
O’Brien was expected to remain with Optimum Motorsport this year but has switched AMR teams to partner Kibble who became one of the youngest drivers in British GT history to claim a pole position last season. A year of experience for both drivers allied to TF Sport’s championship-winning pedigree should add up to a formidable Silver Cup partnership in 2020.
“After a very positive debut season, I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running this year using what I’ve learned,” said Kibble, who doesn’t turn 18 until September. “I’m delighted to be returning with TF Sport driving the Aston Martin Vantage, and also I’m really excited to be sharing the car with Connor.
“Since we are both returning drivers, with a top car and team, I’m feeling confident that we can be challenging for the championship!”
O’Brien spent 2019 getting to grips with the championship and Vantage, and believes the pieces are now in place to mount a serious title challenge.
“I know the standard thing for everyone to say is that your excited for the year ahead, but the package that’s been put together for our assault on the British GT title this year is genuinely exciting for me,” he said.
“I really wanted to stay with the Aston Martin product after a solid year of learning the new Vantage GT4, which prompted the move to 2019 champions TF sport. I know having raced against Patrick in our rookie year that he has strong pace and is just as familiar with the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 as I am, I think we are very capable of netting strong results. I’m looking forward to lining up on the Media Day next week alongside my new team and team-mate.”
Team director Tom Ferrier added: “Both drivers showed well in their debut season in the British GT Championship and with continuity of equipment in their second season, expect both to continue to make gains in performance and be in the championship battle when we arrive for the season finale at Donington Park in September. We’re happy to work again with Patrick, while we welcome Connor to the team and look forward to the season ahead.”
TF Sport are also expected to confirm their British GT3 programme before its Vantages head to Media Day at Snetterton next Tuesday. Fans can attend the day for free from 09:00.