Speedworks take on new category car

SPEEDWORKS Motorsport have announced they will run a Ligier JS P3 LMP3 as it expands into a new category alongside its assault on the British Touring Car Championship.

On display at the Autosport International show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre was Speedworks’ brand new car that will be driven by FIA International 24H Series champion, John Gilbert.

Gilbert raced a Speedworks-prepared Aston Martin GT4 to championship victory back in 2015.

The squad have set their sights on several series, in particular the Creventic-run Proto Cup, the pan-European VdeV Endurance Series, the rebranded LMP3 Cup Championship and the Asian Le Mans Series.

The team’s boss, Christian Dick, has his eye on getting back behind the wheel and is aiming to compete in the 12-hour Spa endurance race in October in the Ligier.

“It’s two and a half years since I’ve raced anything competitively,” said Christian. “I’m back in the gym and watching what I eat.

“We believe it’s a really good formula. The competition will be good, I’m looking forward to it.”

Alongside their LMP3 announcement, Speedworks also revealed that they will keep the services of Tom Ingram, piloting the Team’s Toyota Avensis in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, for 2017.

Following his debut season win 2014, Ingram took a maiden podium for the squad in 2015 and went on to take the top step, along with several other visits to the rostrum along the way.

“We had race wins last year, numerous podiums, and were consistently fast at all the circuits,” added Dick.

“We’ve sat down over the winter and looked at where we were weak, and there were plenty of areas where we needed to improve.

“We were both well aware of that, that’s the beauty of our relationship that we can sit down and develop from that.

“If we get things right there’s absolutely no reason why we can’t be contenders for Independent Championship honours, and let’s have a cheeky fingers crossed and see where we can finish outright.”

The BTCC kicks of the 2017 season at Brands Hatch on April 2.