Optimum Motorsport to focus on British GT ahead of Silverstone 500

Optimum Motorsport today announce that the GT3 Aston Martin Vantage will contest the next round of British GT, instead of returning to the GT Open.
 
The Silverstone 500 (3hrs) is a staple on the British GT calendar and a strong showing at the home of British motor racing next weekend could elevate Ollie Wilkinson and Bradley Ellis into the top three in the overall drivers’ standings. They are just four points adrift of third place going into the next round on 8-9 June.

The duo remain at the top of the Silver Cup after securing a large points haul in the opening rounds including a well-fought podium in the season opener at Oulton Park.

The GT4s are looking to bounce back after a frustrating couple of introductory rounds. Connor O’Brien and Jack Butel secured a pair of sixth places in Oulton Park, but suspension damage in Snetterton prevented the #35 from replicating a similar result.

Mike Robinson and Patrik Matthiesen are also looking to recover their championship hopes in the #75 after a string of disappointing rounds. The Aston Martin drivers did well to recover points in Oulton Park with a commendable fifth place and after a clash at Snetterton took them out of contention during the first race, the pair fought through the order of race two to come away with some points. 

Although the results haven't favoured the GT4s, the Vantage has shown great potential throughout the opening rounds. All four drivers have been working as hard as ever in preparation for the event with extensive simulator training to put them in a perfect position, ready for the longer race duration.    

With the GT3 swapping GT Open for British GT, the team are focusing on securing a podium in Silverstone to move back into the top three overall standings. Going into the weekend, the team are hopeful of bringing home a solid result with all three cars.

Shaun Goff, Optimum Motorsport Team Principal

"Our focus is now on the overall British GT3 drivers championship. Sitting fourth in the drivers standings with the flagship 500km 3hr race up next, we believe a podium result would bring us back into the top three overall standings.

"As a team we love the Silverstone 500. You really have to do your homework on strategy and I’m hoping our endurance pedigree as a team will shine through and get the results we all want for all three cars."

Ollie Wilkinson  

"It’s great to now be heading to Silverstone and committing to a full-season British GT campaign. Brad and I won the GT Open Pro-Am class at Silverstone last year, we’ve not had much running there in the Aston Martin so Friday practice will be key to get a good feel for where we are. Our progress and development is really encouraging and the results are starting to come. Missing out on a podium at Snetterton was disappointing, we’re eager to claim one back, but taking another clean points haul is the most important thing.

“The Silverstone 500 is a big event and the longer, three-hour race will be a new challenge for us but I’m looking forward to it.”