Phil Keen will join Michael Igoe aboard WPI Motorsport’s Lamborghini next season.
2021’s entry process is due to open on January 11 but WPI has already signalled its intent by securing the winningest driver in Intelligent Money British GT Championship history.
Keen’s search for an elusive first title will continue in new surroundings after spending the last six seasons with fellow Lamborghini squad, Barwell Motorsport. The 37-year-old was third in this year’s standings alongside Adam Balon after previously finishing runner-up three times with Jon Minshaw,
Igoe, meanwhile, returns for a third domestic campaign after claiming his and WPI’s first GT3 victory earlier this year at Donington Park with Andrea Caldarelli. Fellow Squadra Corse factory aces Marco Mapelli, Dennis Lind and Franck Perera have also featured in the #18 Huracan over the last two seasons.
And it’s the new found consistency in having a permanent proven co-driver that Igoe believes is crucial to WPI becoming championship contenders.
“The funny thing is, we’ve driven with all the factory drivers and chosen the one we’ve never driven with!” he told Autosport. “It’s a big testament to us being such a new team. But I think we’ve made a good impression in the championship and considering the inconsistency of having different drivers this year, I think we’ve still delivered well as a team. It’s very exciting times ahead.”
Keen, who set fastest race lap at five of this year’s six weekends, is also eyeing a title tilt next season.
“I know it’s not going to be a five-minute process and I’m sure next year will be a learning year for us all to get everything right, but we’re still looking to win the championship,” he said.
“Having Andrea [Caldarelli with them in 2020] means things will have been ironed out. Michael is young, you forget he’s only 32, and it’s the first time I think I’ve ever driven with somebody younger than me as an Am! So there is the joke there that I’m now the old Am and Michael has got to drag me along as a Pro. I’ll be interested, it’s going to be good fun I think and Michael wants to do well for sure. Foremost it’s a hobby for him, he wants to enjoy his racing and the people he spends his time with. So I think that’s an important part of it as well moving forward.”
Oulton Park hosts the opening round of 2021’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship on April 3 & 5.