Jann Mardenborough Returns to British GT with Team RJN at Silverstone 500

In a thrilling one-off return to the British GT Championship, Jann Mardenborough is set to rejoin Team RJN at the upcoming Silverstone 500 on April 27/28. Teaming up with Chris Buncombe, Mardenborough will take the wheel of the team’s second McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, marking a nostalgic reunion with the outfit where his real-world racing journey began.

Mardenborough’s remarkable transition from gaming enthusiast to Nissan factory driver, chronicled in the recent Gran Turismo movie, is a testament to his talent and dedication. While the film captures pivotal moments in his career, it overlooks his inaugural season in 2012 when he competed in British GT alongside RJN, achieving one victory and two podium finishes, securing sixth place overall in the series.

Reflecting on his return, Mardenborough expressed his excitement, emphasizing the growth of the championship since his last participation. He is determined to vie for victory alongside Chris Buncombe and RJN, drawing upon his experiences abroad in Japan’s Super GT championship to hone his skills for this special occasion.

“2012 was my first full season of racing, which happened to be in British GT,” said Mardenborough, who has spent the majority of his professional career contesting Japan’s Super GT championship. “I’m looking forward to returning for a one-off in the Silverstone 500 endurance round. Since my time away racing abroad in Japan and other places I’m pleased to see the championship expand and grow with more top drivers and teams in both GT3 and GT4.

“To do battle against them paired with Chris and RJN, our intent is to win, and we’ve been preparing on and off track to direct ourselves to that vision.

“RJN and Bob Neville helped mould me into the driver and, more importantly, the person I am today. I find it very fitting to be working with them again. We will give our all.”

For Chris Buncombe, the opportunity to share the track with Mardenborough symbolizes a full-circle moment, as he fondly recalls their early days together at Team RJN.

“I’ve known Jann from when he first made the step from virtual racing into the world of real racing alongside my brother at Team RJN so it’s a lovely story that this has now come full circle and we will be sharing a car together. Oulton was the first time in almost four years that I’d been in a race car so I plan to get familiar as quickly as possible and do the best job I can for the team and everyone involved in making this possible.”

Mardenborough’s British GT appearance is part of a potential wider programme for 2024 in preparation for full-time racing in 2025, details of which will be confirmed in due course.