> Newly crowned GT4 champions set for senior class return
BMW’s new M4 GT3 will contest the Intelligent Money British GT Championship next season with recently crowned GT4 Teams’ and Drivers’ champions, Century Motorsport.
Team principal, Nathan Freke, confirmed one car is due to arrive in early 2022 and that a second is reserved subject to availability and driver interest.
The squad has been an official BMW partner since clinching its first British GT4 titles with the M4 in 2018, and added M6 GT3s to its domestic roster a year later. M4s with an Evo update also wrapped up this year’s GT4 championships at Oulton Park three weeks ago. It was the first time that a British GT Drivers’ crown had been won before the final round since 2015.
That long-standing relationship with BMW has helped Century secure one and potentially two M4 GT3s for next season despite unprecedented global demand for the new car. Indeed, Century will be the only British team to receive it in 2022.
With such an exciting addition to the grid already confirmed, Freke is now hopeful of finding a suitable pairing to race Century’s M4 GT3.
“We’ve enjoyed an incredible season in GT4, which has helped us secure the new M4 and BMW’s backing for next year,” he said. “We’re already talking to a few drivers about the first car, which we’ll get our hands on in the new year, but are keen to hear from anyone interested in joining the programme.
“Securing an M4 GT3 for next season is very difficult even with official ties, as we have, and impossible without them given the global demand. So this represents the only realistic opportunity for someone to race the car in Britain next year.”
Freke also confirmed Century’s intention to enter its GT4 title-winning M4s next season.
“Yes, that’s definitely the plan,” he said. “As a team we have the capacity to do both classes. The M4 GT4 has proven itself across a range of circuits this season – it’s a real all-rounder with championship-winning credentials so it’s important we build on that promise, and especially as the Evo kit was only homologated this year. Plus, there’s a structure within the team for drivers to move up through the GT ranks over several seasons.”
British GT’s entry process doesn’t officially open until December 1, but initial interest shown by existing and new teams is already encouraging.
“We initially expected the coronavirus hangover to continue into 2022 but early, informal conversations with prospective and returning teams have been very encouraging,” said championship manager Lauren Granville. “Nothing is certain until entries are officially submitted but we are definitely aiming for 30+ full-season cars next year.”
2021’s Intelligent Money British GT3 Drivers’ champions will be crowned at #DoningtonDecider on October 16/17.