Famous Ferrari Team Returns To GT Racing | Part Two

"Outside of Formula 1, nothing in motor sport can demonstrate the Ferrari brand strengths so effectively as the 360GT race car and participation in the FIA GT Championship," explained Richard Mackay, Managing Director of Ferrari UK. "By combining the expertise of Veloqx Motorsport with the proven driving talents of four young British race-winning heroes and the backing of Ferrari UK, we are confident that TMC will be a worthy team to carry the Maranello name and colours in this exciting Championship."

Sam Li, Team Principal of Team Maranello Concessionaires, commented: "Veloqx Motorsport successfully took the British Ferrari challenge to other famous marques to win the British GT crown, after a very close battle in 2002. Now, we are ready to take that same challenge to the international level. The FIA GT Championship is hugely competitive, and packed starting grids of 36 cars are anticipated for 2003. There will be a lot of pressure on us to perform, but we have all the right ingredients to perform strongly. The car is very good, the technical partners are fully supporting the programme, the team has a wealth of engineering skills and undoubtedly the very best of British drivers."

The team has chosen four British drivers with an abundance of talent, experience and promise to continue the fantastic international track record previously created by legendary stars of the past. Jamie Davies, Ferrari’s British GTO Champion of 2002, will head the TMC attack, partnered by youngster Tim Mullen. Driving the other TMC 360GT will be 2001 British GTO Champion, Kelvin Burt and ex-DTM racer, Darren Turner.

"After 10 years involvement with GT racing, I am deeply interested in its heritage – a heritage in which Maranello Concessionaires played such an important part," commented Stephane Ratel, Chairman of SRO, the organising body for the FIA GT Championships. "Everyone participating in the Championship was extremely impressed by the debut outings of the Veloqx Motorsport team last season – qualifying well at Donington and taking a podium place at Estoril. Now, I am delighted to welcome the team to the Championship for a full season."

Technical partnerships are hugely important in securing motor racing success, and TMC is delighted to continue its relationship with Dunlop, which will become an exclusive technical development partner for 2003. Most of the Maranello Concessionaires victories from 1961 to modern times were scored using Dunlop tyres.

Team Maranello Concessionaires will conduct an historic re-launch of the famous team on 19 March, at the newly refurbished Tower Garage at Egham, Surrey – the home of Maranello Sales Limited. As well as unveiling the 360GT in its new ‘Cambridge Blue Nose’ livery, the team will make a full presentation of its race cars, drivers, sponsors and partners – before an audience which will include many famous team drivers from earlier eras.