The new Bentley Continental GT3 racecar makes its eagerly-anticipated competition debut this Friday1 in its first test race at the Gulf 12 Hours, held at the famous Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. Racing as part of a comprehensive development programme ahead of the 2014 Blancpain Endurance Series, the Continental GT3 is nearing readiness for Bentley’s return to mainstream racing for the first time since the celebrated Speed 8 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003.
Leading the team of new Bentley Boys is the same renowned sports car driver that won Le Mans for Bentley – British racer Guy Smith. Joining Guy is Northern Irishman Steven Kane, who brings a wealth of recent GT3 experience. Steven has also been involved in the car’s development since its unveil at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Completing the trio of all-British Bentley driving talent is Andy Meyrick. After a successful season competing in the Blancpain Endurance Series and racing the revolutionary DeltaWing in the USA, Andy joins Team M-Sport Bentley for the Gulf 12 Hours.
Bentley’s new racer has been developed in conjunction with motorsport technical partner M-Sport Ltd. M-Sport have used decades of motorsport experience to help turn the road-going Continental GT into a thoroughbred race car.