Media Release: Team RPM Confirms 2011 International GT Open Assault
Banbury, Northamptonshire – Friday, December 10, 2010; Midlands motorsport outfit, Team RPM has its sights firmly set on securing its first International GT Open race victory next season following confirmation of its 2011 driver line-up ahead of the Autosport International show.
Manager of the Banbury-based champion operation, Alex Mortimer will once again partner seasoned GT racer Peter Bamford (Newbury) in the Team RPM Ford GT. The duo’s inaugural International GT Open season delivered impressive results in 2010, despite a difficult year for the team which suffered the loss of its inspirational founder, Robin Mortimer. Team RPM has built a notable reputation as one of the UK’s leading sportscar teams. British GT Champions in 2007, the team can also lay claim to no fewer than five Radical Enduro crowns plus multiple Porsche Carrera Cup wins and second in the 2004 title fight with Tim Harvey. Suitably continuing his father’s legacy, under Alex’s management Team RPM finished joint third, alongside Autorlando Sport, in the fiercely competitive International GT Open GTS category this year - Mortimer and Bamford’s consistent form delivering no fewer than 12 top six finishes in 16 races. Three podiums, including second and third at Magny-Cours and another second at Brands Hatch, in addition to one pole position and a fastest lap saw the British pairing prove their international calibre. Mortimer and Bamford will be looking to go one step further on the podium in 2011 as they hunt for their first GTS class win. Team RPM Principal and driver, Alex Mortimer commented: “The 2010 season was an exploratory year for Team RPM as Peter and I made our International GT Open pairing debut. “We did really well to finish third in the standings and take three podiums against such a high calibre of drivers. Just take the final season round where we finished as the top Pro-Am pair sixth in class, one place behind Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo. International GT Open is the premier European GT championship after FIA GT1 and we’re proud to be a part of it. “It’s great to have Peter already confirmed for 2011. We work so well together and he has a solid history with the team having done more mileage with Team RPM than any other driver. “Our goal is to be the top 2011 Pro-Am pairing and secure more pole positions, fastest laps and of course our first win. As well as a great driver line-up, we have a great car in the Ford GT, as we also proved with 14th overall and sixth in class at the Spa 24 Hours. “It’s going to be a fantastic programme and it’s great to be positively moving forward. Dad and I ran Team RPM together for many years, especially as Dad was working towards retirement, so it’s an honour to continue that leadership with an awesome team of people behind me. It’s important we continue the phenomenal legacy Dad built with Team RPM’s International GT Open success and I believe we have the team personnel and drivers to make that possible.” Already an International GT Open winner, Peter Bamford is looking forward to adding a GTS class victory to his 2008 Super GT win. He added: “We had a great season in 2010. It was my first racing the Ford GT but we delivered improving results and were really competitive in the second half of the season. “International GT Open is a great series and Team RPM has demonstrated how competitive and reliable the Ford GT is, so I’m looking forward to taking our form forward into 2011. “Team RPM run a highly professional outfit and are great fun to race with, so it was a natural choice to sign with them again. I also knew Robin very well – I did my first ever race with him in 2006 – so after going through the traumas of his sudden death mid-season, continuing a partnership with Alex is even more worthwhile.” Mortimer and Team RPM’s first commitment of the new season will be appearing on the trade days at Autosport International 2011, held at the NEC Birmingham, where he will be chatting to fans and talking more about the team’s exciting 2011 plans. “Autosport International hails the start of a new season and it’s nice to head there with Team RPM’s plans in place. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends and fans and finding out what everyone else is up to next year while, as a team manager, the show is an important networking opportunity to explore possible future ventures for 2011 and beyond.” For further ticket information and to keep up to date with all Autosport International news and information, visit www.autosportinternational.com. To keep up to date with the latest Team RPM news visit www.teamrpm.org.uk and for further information on the International GT Open Championship, including the provisional 2011 calendar, visit www.gtsport.es. -Ends- Notes to Editors Please click on the thumbnails below to download the images. Alex Mortimer will be attending Autosport International on January 13 & 14. To arrange a media interview email emma.spearing@hazelpr.com Team RPM Media Contact: Emma Spearing, Hazel PR Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828 Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com
Tags: