‘Mission accomplished’ for M2 Competition on British GT debut

M2 Competition enjoyed a solid debut in the British GT Championship as they finished a thrilling race at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit and gained valuable experience.

The Brussels-based team have an enviable record of championship success in single-seater racing, with titles won by international racing stars Lando Norris, Lance Stroll and Nick Cassidy, but had never previously fielded a GT car before last weekend.

Fielding a brand-new Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3, delivered just one week before the event, and Spa rookie Tony Quinn behind the wheel, the target was for driver and team to learn and to take advantage of the experience of co-driver Darren Turner.

The three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner’s speed was in evidence as he set the sixth-fastest time in Sunday warm-up; the Briton having focused on fine-tuning a race set-up during Saturday practice.

However, rain ahead of qualifying forced a cautious approach from both drivers; 13th on the grid and 11th in the pro-am category the result.

The race was a straightforward affair as starting driver Tony settled into a comfortable rhythm, gaining confidence in his machinery as his hour-long stint wore on.

The two-time Australian GT Championship runner-up handed over the controls to Darren at the half-distance mark in 14th and the Briton set about gaining time on the cars ahead of him.

Despite matching the pace of the race-leaders for around half of his stint, Darren was unable to gain many positions and was one of a number of drivers lucky to avoid incident late-on after a damaged GT4 car dropped fluid on the racing line at the tight final corner. He finished 13th.

M2 now have an ultra-quick turnaround with the next round for its Formula Renault Eurocup team getting underway back at Spa on Wednesday with free practice.