GT4 Jordan Albert/jack Bartholomew

Beechdean is chasing a third straight GT4 crown, and has recruited a very strong driver pairing in these two BRDC F4 graduates. Albert and Bartholomew don’t have much tin-top experience barring a few pre-season tests, but will be in the right environment to learn quickly. They’re running in the Silver Cup, so will carry extra weight over true Pro-am pairings, but the Vantage should shoulder the lead well and consistency during the race is more vital than single-lap pace.

Simpson Motorsport Porsche Cayman Clubsport GT4

OK, so due to production delays they won’t have the Cayman at Brands – or possibly even Rockingham – so will be mounted in a rented Ginetta, but regardless this pair is an exciting one. Malvern’s pace is clear, he’s won in every championship he’s done and holds multiple single-seater titles, so it’s a big year for him and he must perform. Jones should better suit the accessible GT4 car than the more fiddly Radicals he’s raced in recent years. It’s the same situation here regarding the car – Porsche delayed so Ginetta rented. Foster has previous GT and sportscar experience and is one of the most consistent drivers around so it will be great to see what he can do in his first full championship since Australian F3 in 2009. Reed is just 17 so lacks experience at this level but has shown well racing a Lotus. Another great example of young drivers jumping to GTS. Former world karting champion Graham was a race winner in BRDC F4 in 2013 before a difficult time in Formula Renault. Ex-ginetta Junior champion Mitchell is the more experienced of the two with a roof over his head.