Johnson splits from Robinson, as O’brien joins Balfe

Former British GT4 champion Graham Johnson has re-signed with Balfe Motorsport to drive a Mclaren 570S GT4 next year and will be joined by Mclaren Driver Development Programme graduate Michael O’brien, after splitting with long-time co-driver Mike Robinson.

Johnson and Robinson had raced together in endurance karting events in the early 2000s and competed in British GT since 2015, winning the ’16 title outright before adding the Pro-am crown in ’17. But, after a trying season that yielded only one win at Brands Hatch, Johnson told MN it was time for a change.

“I would be surprised if we didn’t team up again in the future, we’re great friends and we have fun racing together, but at some point you have to set yourself new challenges,” Johnson explained.

“I’ve got to learn how to work with someone new, I’ve worked so long with Mike that to work with someone else is going to be a real challenge, but it’s genuinely exciting to partner with Mclaren and work with one of their rising stars.”

Historic Formula Ford graduate O’brien moves across from Tolman Motorsport, where he finished third in his debut season with fellow Silvergraded driver Charlie Fagg.

In addition to the Pro-am title, O’brien is targeting another run at the outright championship, having missed out by just two points to Jack Mitchell.

“Coming so close this year was very disappointing, so hopefully we can go those couple of places better next season,” O’brien said.

“It’s nice to have the continuity of coming back to the same championship and the same car, so hopefully I can start where I left off.”