ZAMPARELLI MAKES JTR PORSCHE SWITCH

Porsche Carrera Cup GB charger Dino Zamparelli hopes that joining Nick Tandy’s JTR team can give him the edge needed to overhaul series dominator Dan Cammish this year.

Bristol-based Zamparelli became the second driver to join JTR’S new Carrera Cup GB attack last week. The 24-year-old joins Lewis Plato, who is already confirmed at the team.

Zamparelli was double champion Cammish’s biggest rival last season, taking three race wins and finishing second in the points behind Cammish. Zamparelli joined the Carerra Cup after switching from GP3 in 2015. He has won titles in Ginetta Juniors and Formula Renault.

“This year is a big one for me as I have to go and take the fight to Dan, and with JTR and Nick [Tandy] behind me I truly believe we can win it this year,” said Zamparelli.

“Last year I started the season well but we had an undiagnosed issue with the car that meant the second half of the season just sort of fell apart for me, and that cost me badly.

“I’ve worked with Nick before. He gave me some tips in 2015 just before I joined the GT Marques team and I went on to take my first win right after.

“Nick knows these cars so well, and he’s a Le Mans winner, so his experience will be invaluable for my third year in Porsches.”

Tandy added: “With Dino onboard for this year I know I have two drivers who are capable of fighting for the title with JTR. Lewis has been hugely impressive in testing with us, and if he can bring that speed and consistency then he’ll be right at the front.

“Dino has that bit more experience in the championship, and he needs a big year. He’s a top talent and I’ll work with both drivers to help them get the best out of the cars.

“As JTR, we’re not starting this year from scratch. I’ve worked for years with the Porsche factory to develop these cars, so I know how to make them go fast. We want to fight for the championship.”