Tempesta Racing will add a new name to the Blancpain GT Series grid this term when it enters the Endurance Cup with a Ferrari 488 GT3.
The squad will field a Pro-Am class car for Christopher Froggatt, Chris Buncombe and Jonathan Hui throughout the five-round championship, which includes the blue riband Total 24 Hours of Spa (25-28 July).
The pairing of Froggatt and Buncombe represented Great Britain at last year’s FIA GT Nations Cup in Bahrain, securing a runner-up finish in the season-ending contest. They will expand their successful partnership this term as part of the Tempesta line-up, with Hong Kong racer Hui completing the three-man crew.
There is also a continuation of the squad’s working relationship with the hugely accomplished AF Corse, which ran the British effort in the Nations Cup, and the 488 GT3 that Froggatt and Buncombe drove at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Series newcomer Froggatt, who will act as the team’s Pro driver, commented:
“I’m really looking forward to this busy season of racing ahead. It will be my first step into longer endurance races and will certainly provide new challenges. I’ve known all my teammates for a little while now and am pleased with the line ups that we have pulled together.”
Buncombe meanwhile will defend the Pro-Am class title he won in last year’s Endurance Cup with Strakka Racing.
“I had a taste of the 488 when I joined Chris for the FIA GT Nations Cup races in Bahrain at the end of last year,” commented Buncombe. "It’s a fantastic car and I can’t wait to get back on track in it! I love the racing in the Blancpain GT Series and we’ll do what we can to challenge for the Pro-Am title again.”
Hui is also new to the championship, but is relishing the chance to make his series debut.
“I have been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to enter the Endurance Cup and couldn’t have asked for a better team and driver line up to pair with,” he said. “All my focus in the past few years have been in endurance races and I’m hopeful those experiences will bring a positive contribution towards Tempesta Racing’s 2019 campaign.”
The squad will be present with its 488 GT3 at the official Blancpain GT Series test days at Circuit Paul Ricard, which take place on 13/14 March at the French venue.