> BMW M4s upgraded to latest Evo-spec
Century Motorsport has confirmed the two driver crews with which it will contest this year’s Intelligent Money British GT4 Championship.
Ginetta GT4 Supercup title rivals Will Burns and Gus Burton join forces in the team’s Silver Cup entry, while Andrew Gordon-Colebrooke – who won 2020’s Silverstone 500 – returns for a third year with Century alongside new co-driver Chris Salkeld.
The 2018 Teams’ and Drivers’ champions have also revealed the first images of their newly upgraded BMW M4 GT4s, which will race in Evo spec this year.
On paper at least Century appears to have assembled a particularly potent Silver Cup pairing. Burns contested British GT with HHC in 2018 and returns as reigning Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion after falling just short two years ago, while Burton brings the added experience of working with Century throughout his championship battle with Burns. He ultimately finished second overall in the Pro class.
“I’m really excited to be joining Century Motorsport for the British GT Championship this season,” said Burns. “I feel like I’ve got unfinished business in the series after my last season in 2018, so I’m pleased to have another chance to race in such a prestigious series.
“Century’s track record speaks for itself and having raced against the team for many years in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup, I know how professional their operation is. I have no doubt they will give me and Gus a very quick and reliable car to compete with.
“Gus was stiff competition last season and showed how much of a talent he is, so I’m looking forward to racing alongside him this year. I’ve been really impressed with the BMW during my limited testing so far, so overall I think we’ve got an exciting package for the season ahead.”
Century’s Pro-Am entry also has promise. Gordon-Colebrooke recorded his first British GT victory at last year’s season finale and is now joined by Salkeld who finished runner-up in 2020’s Ginetta GT4 Supercup Pro-Am standings. The entry also features sponsorship from celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriott.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be teaming up with Century and Chris for this season,” said Gordon-Colebrooke. “Off the back of winning the Silverstone 500 last year it’s great to have the opportunity to take the next step and fight for the Pro-Am title.
“I’m tremendously excited for this year, with mine and Century’s knowledge of the M4 combining with an impressive upgraded Evo package and a brilliant team-mate in Chris, I’m incredibly optimistic that we’ll be right in the thick of things from round one. It’s going to be a highly competitive grid this year when you look at some other driver line-ups in other teams, but we’ll relish and embrace the challenge and look to come out on top.”
Salkeld, who swapped to Century for the final two Ginetta Supercup rounds last season, added: “I’ve never been more excited for a start of a season, racing in British GT is something I’d have never imagined possible three years ago when I started racing in the Ginetta GRDC and to be doing it with Century Motorsport and BMW is a dream come true. With the new Evo pack on the car, and Century’s experience and track record in this championship, I’m sure we’ll be a force to be reckoned with this year.
“I’m delighted to be partnering Andrew this season, we have a great dynamic between us already and are both set on working harder than ever to bring even more success to Century Motorsport this season. With the signing of Andrew, I have a very experienced and fast team-mate to not only work with but also learn from this season.
“I have to take a moment to give a special thanks to all of my sponsors and commercial partners for their continued support during these difficult times. Without them none of this would be possible and I can’t wait to have you all trackside again this year. We also welcome fans back from the first round, which is really exciting; we’ll be sure to put on a show for you all.”
Spectators can attend the opening round of this season’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship at Brands Hatch on May 22/23 by reserving tickets in advance. Several covid protocols and restrictions – including a closed paddock – will remain in place until at least June 21 when the UK government is due to end all lockdown measures.