Bell: I want three titles and Le Mans

NORTHUMBERLAND’S Rob Bell is set for a busy 2017 after announcing his third race programme for the season.

The McLaren GT factory driver will contest the Blancpain GT Series at the wheel of the 650S GT3 machine.

This is alongside his previously announced plans to race the marque in the Blancpain GT Series Asia with Clearwater Racing and the International GT Open with Balfe Motorsport.

He is also set to race in the world famous Le Mans 24 Hours with TF Sport, driving an Aston Martin Vantage.

Rob is joining the Strakka Racing squad as he returns to the highly competitive Blancpain GT Series, and will be looking to defend his Endurance Champion title.

Joined by the other four McLaren factory boys – Come Ledogar, Alvaro Parente, Jonny Kane and Dean Stoneman – he will provide the foundation for Strakka Racing, a customer team, as it takes on the series’ Pro class.

Last week Bell headed out to the south of France, where he took to the Paul Ricard circuit for a two-day official test.

After two solid days on track, he admitted he is now feeling happy and confident about the season ahead.

“It’s a strong line-up of drivers for Strakka Racing’s four-car assault on the Blancpain GT Series,” he said.

“It’s a very competitive series with all the top marques represented, so not only will there be competi- tion within the team, there’s also a really strong grid that we’ll be up against.

“I’m obviously out to defend my Endurance Series title and, with the strength of competition on the entry list, that will definitely be a big challenge.”

Bell’s season actually began back in January, when he scored a fifth place finish in the Bathurst 12 Hours, the biggest sportscar event on Australia’s racing calendar.

At the wheel of the #1 Tekno Autosports McLaren, Bell and the team raced from the back of the field to finish fifth overall and third in class.

And with such a hectic schedule ahead, Bell is set for probably his busiest year yet. However, he admits it is an exciting time and is excited about the challenge ahead.

“It’s going to be a very busy year for me, which started last month in Australia at Bathurst 12 Hours,” he added.

“Now there’s pre-season testing before we get into the racing itself in early April.

“I’ll certainly be having plenty of seat time this season and will be criss-crossing the globe to take on my duties in the three series.

“It’s a year I’m relishing and will be out to capture not just one title, but three – and a Le Mans win too.”