British GT notebook week 5

The 2021 Intelligent Money British GT season is getting ever closer despite the UK restrictions still being in full effect.

This has not stopped teams and drivers from committing to the series for the upcoming season with numerous announcements having already been made, along with the calendar which features the usual UK classics alongside the yearly trip out to Spa-Francorchamps.

News

➤ With the global pandemic still in full force, the organizers have had no choice but to announce that the pre-season Media Day will not be taking place. Instead, the Friday prior to each event will be utilized for dedicated test sessions before the main event over the weekend.

➤ Not only the absence of Media Day, but the 2021 calendar has already seen its first revamp due to the pandemic. The season opener at Oulton Park originally scheduled for April 3-5th now being moved to September 11-12th with Snetterton moving from April 24-25th to August 7-8th. The season opener will now be held at the ever-popular Brands Hatch on the full GP circuit on 22-23rd May. The last time Brands Hatch hosted the season opener was in 2016 where Scotsman Jonny Adam and Derek Johnstone claimed victory to kick-off their title charge in style.

Social Media

➤ Team Parker Racing dropped a bombshell and announced that the 2021 Gulf 12 hours will be their last outing with the mighty Bentley Continental GT3. There is currently no news as to what they will replace it with but the rumours suggest an Mercedes-AMG GT3 may be on the way.

Last weekend's @gulf12hours Bahrain was our final race with @BentleyRacing and its Continental GT3 after five fantastic years together. Keep your eyes out over the next week as we look back over some of our fondest memories with the manufacturer.https://t.co/G0lIb7qjSv

— Team Parker Racing (@teamparkeracing) January 13, 2021

➤ Speedworks have announced their new BTCC line-up after becoming a full factory team. Rory Butcher will be looking for a full title assault this year with his new team whilst ex-British GT racer Sam Smelt, will be looking to get to grips with the cutthroat nature of the BTCC.

https://twitter.com/SpeedworksMS/status/1354338575261847558?s=20

➤ Optimum Motorsport driver Ollie Wilkinson recently announced he has become a full member of the BRDC. A huge honour for anyone involved in British motorsport. His plans for 2021 are still to be announced, however.

https://twitter.com/OWilkoRacing/status/1352590095065481216

➤ Jonny Adam has revealed his 2021 helmet design. A simple clean look with some Scottish flair and the reminders of his greatest achievements through his illustrious career.

https://twitter.com/JonnyAdam/status/1354525706462633988

➤ And finally, British GT stalwarts TF Sport made their debut in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and despite issues during the race, came home in P7 within the GTD class.

https://twitter.com/OfficialTFSport/status/1355984871848636417