NEW CHAMPIONS LEAD GT3 SUPPORT

New British GT champions Derek Johnston and Jonathan Adam will return to defend their crown in 2017, as leading teams throw their weight behind the GT3 division.

A total of 11 GT3 cars took the start of the season finale at Donington Park last weekend, with just four finishing on the lead lap. The total entry was 29 cars, boosted by 18 GT4 entries.

Series organiser SRO is working with a selection of GT3 teams and drivers to find ways to bring cars back to the top division of the championship. Plans for a new championship structure are set to be unveiled soon.

Adam, who made history by becoming the first driver ever to defend the top British GT title and the first driver to win it with two different teams, and Johnston are already in talks with TF Sport to return next year.

“We’re aiming to be back next season and defend the title – same team, same car and same Jonny Adam,” said Johnston. “Being British GT champion is surreal. It’s such a big title and such a big championship. It hasn’t sunk in.”

Aston Martin factory driver Adam added that having GT3 representation in Britain was important for the Gaydon marque. “Nothing is signed yet but we’d love to defend the title and for Aston Martin it’s important to show that the Vantage GT3, for at least the next two years [until the new-generation GT3 product is released] is still successful and still winning. It’s the third British GT title in four years for the car, and my second. I’d love to add to that.”

Factory Lamborghini squad Barwell Motorsport is also planning to return with a multiple car entry. Team head Mark Lemmer said: “GT3 definitely has a future in Britain and there are some big plans afoot to help open the class up and make it more accessible for next year and that will bring more people in. We’re working to bring costs down too.

“British GT is one of the best championships in Europe and people do want to race GT3 here, we just need to rework the format to allow more people to.”