> …But the Scot could still win fifth title with Cottingham
> Keen deputises in 2 Seas’ #4 Mercedes-AMG
An existing European Le Mans Series commitment will prevent Jonny Adam from actively fighting for a record extending fifth Intelligent Money British GT Championship drivers’ title with James Cottingham at Donington Park next weekend.
Instead, Phil Keen – who shares the series’ overall and GT3 wins record with Adam – is deputising for the Scot in 2 Seas’ #4 Mercedes-AMG.
However, Adam could yet win the title with his regular co-driver if a particular set of circumstances play out.
Darren Leung and Dan Harper will start 13 points behind Adam and Cottingham. Assuming Century’s crew fail to overturn that deficit, Adam will share the title if Cottingham doesn’t add to his existing tally. Per regulation 7.9e drivers that have formed the same line-up during all events at which they have scored points will not be separated.
Nevertheless, the clash is naturally a blow to Adam who has faced a similar situation before. In 2013 his then co-driver Andrew Howard won the title solo despite contesting every race with the Scot who was penalised six championship points earlier in the season.
Keen has already raced for 2 Seas this season, albeit in the sister car driven by outgoing champion Ian Loggie when his regular co-driver, Jules Gounon, was unable to compete at Portimao. Keen was also scheduled to deputise for Adam at Silverstone earlier in the campaign until the clashing ELMS round at Imola was cancelled, and was always earmarked to do so again at Donington.
Adam’s chances are bolstered somewhat by Leung and Harper having to finish fifth or higher to overturn their starting deficit – a task made more complicated by the maximum 20 seconds of Compensation Time that the BMW must serve during its pitstop.
However, Leung did overcome 10 seconds to win on his GT3 debut at the same circuit last year.