21 January 2015
Aston Martin specialist 22GT Racing returns to the British GT Championship for the 2015 season, fielding former champion Jon Barnes and promising newcomer Mark Farmer. They will drive a new Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.
22GT Racing last competed in the British GT Championship in 2009 when team owner and lifelong racer Tom Alexander ran his Aston Martin DBRS9 GT3. The team has been concentrating on historic racing throughout Europe for the past six years, with a who’s who of historic drivers such as Tiff Needell, Tony Jardine, Christian Horner and Le Mans veteran Andy Wallace driving for them. Alexander says he is delighted to have the team back competing in British GT.
Tom Alexander, 22GT Racing’s owner, said: “With former champion Jon Barnes and the super quick Mark Farmer racing the astonishing V12 Vantage GT3, we have a potent mix of talent, capability, promise and engineering. We are thrilled to be back and are really looking forward to the season kicking off at Oulton Park at Easter.”
Jon Barnes won the 2008 British GT Championship alongside James Gornall driving a ‘Team Trimite’ Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. He went on to become race, test and development driver for Caterham Cars, and is also now carrying out test and development engineering for Jaguar Land Rover on the 2016 Jaguar F-Type. He has achieved many championship victories throughout his career in various series, including Formula Palmer Audi, Cosworth Caterham Masters and Autosport Caterham Eurocup.
Jon Barnes said: “Returning to the British GT Championship is something I’ve dreamt about for the past seven years! It is such a compelling championship – held at some of the most iconic motorsport venues in the World - and I am really looking forward to seeing how we perform. We have set some modest goals initially, but we have huge ambitions.”
Newcomer Mark Farmer steps up to British GT and joins 22GT Racing after spending the past three years climbing the Caterham Racing ladder. A keen amateur, he has been increasing in consistency and speed, prompting his move into British GT. In practice, he is already chalking up some impressive times.
Mark Farmer said: “I’m privileged, humbled and excited to be joining Jon and the 22GT team this season with our new car. We’re going to give it our best shot and I’m looking forward to some entertaining racing.”
The team has an extensive testing programme lined up for the next few months, with a shake down week planned in Spain shortly.
22GT Racing’s team manager Nathan Harrison said: “After several years out of British GT we’re excited to be back, and to have signed Jon - with his huge experience and skills - and Mark, who is already showing great promise. We’re already working hard to make the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 perform at its very peak, and we look forward to making this season a huge success.”
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