> Aston Martin Racing works driver to spearhead new Pro-Am partnership
Matt Topham will make his Intelligent Money British GT4 Championship debut this year after teaming up with Aston Martin Racing works driver Darren Turner at Newbridge Motorsport.
31-year-old Topham claimed several GT Cup class wins aboard Newbridge’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 last season – his first in a national GT series. That has laid the foundations for a British GT4 assault with Turner who contested a full GT3 campaign with Andrew Howard and Beechdean AMR in 2018 before also making a one-off appearance with M2 Competition the following year.
But the 46-year-old is best known for his long-distance endurance achievements with Aston Martin Racing whom he joined in 2005. He has since claimed three Le Mans 24 Hours class victories and the European Le Mans Series’ GTE crown.
Newbridge, meanwhile, embark on their first full-season British GT campaign following a one-off appearance with the Vantage at Silverstone last season.
“We know British GT is very competitive but the success Newbridge and I achieved last season has given me a lot of confidence ahead of my debut,” said Topham. “Racing with an AMR driver who was part of the Vantage’s original development team will be a huge bonus. Darren also knows how to win a championship and has a lot of experience working within a Pro-Am environment. And that will be invaluable because we expect GT4 to feature many more Pro-Am entries this year.”
Turner added: “I’m really pleased to be back in British GT, joining Matt and Newbridge Motorsport. This championship is always competitive and I have no doubt that the 2021 season will be another absolute cracker. AMR is placing even more emphasis on its customer racing programmes this year and I will do my utmost to help Matt and the team achieve their goals. I really can’t wait to get started and enjoy my first season in the Vantage GT4.”
Brands Hatch hosts the opening round of this year’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship on May 22/23. Reserve tickets here.