Gulf Racing Set for FIA WEC Return in GTE-Am

Photo: John Dagys

While having been absent from the globe-trotting series this year, Gulf Racing UK is set to return to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015. (En Français)

The British-based squad has revealed plans to compete in the GTE-Am class with an Aston Martin Vantage GTE under the AMR banner, in a similar effort that saw Stuart Hall and Jamie Campbell-Walter capture the 2013 drivers’ title.

“We will drive an Aston Martin Vantage GTE in FIA WEC next season,” team principal Roald Goethe told Endurance-Info in the Gulf 12 Hours paddock. “The car will be the same as the one we had in 2013 but with some updates.

“Stuart and I will be driving and we’re seeking a good Silver-rated driver to complete the lineup.”

The Gulf Racing entry is expected to be among up to three AMR-entered Vantages in the GTE-Am class next year.

Goethe, Hall and Daniel Brown took part in this year’s European Le Mans Series season in a Vantage GTE, as part of a two-car effort for the UK-based squad, that included a Porsche 911 RSR.

While the Aston is headed back to the FIA WEC, the Gulf-liveried Porsche will continue in the ELMS with Mike Wainwright among the driver strength. An entry request for the 24 Hours of Le Mans will also be submitted.

As for future, Goethe, a Bronze-rated driver, hasn’t ruled out a move into the prototype ranks, but it won’t come until 2016 at the earliest.

“Why not run in LMP2 in the future? he said. “I’ve never had the chance to test a LMP2 car. A closed-top LMP2 car in Gulf colors would look great.”

The Gulf Racing UK crew are taking part in this weekend’s Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi with a Lamborghini Gallardo FL2 for Goethe, Hall and Frederic Fatien. Campbell-Walter will join the trio for next month’s Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John