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FIA GT World Cup

Honda Confirms Factory NSX GT3 for Van der Zande at Macau

Renger van der Zande to drive Honda NSX GT3 in FIA GT World Cup…

Photo: Honda

Honda has confirmed that it will enter next month’s FIA GT World Cup in Macau with a single NSX GT3 for Renger van der Zande, marking the car’s international debut.

The Japanese manufacturer will field a solo works entry for the Nov. 16-19 race, with JAS Motorsport providing operations, led by team director Stefano Fini.

It will mark the car’s first race outside of North America, ahead of worldwide customer sales beginning next year.

“Honda has just started its NSX GT3 global sales program for the 2018 season and we are very grateful that the FIA and promoter have given us the green light to enter this prestigious event,” Fini said.

“Our target is to put on a good showing with Renger van der Zande, an international sports car championship-winning driver with lots of experience of GT3 machinery and of the Guia circuit.

“Our hope is that participation in this event with the NSX GT3 will create greater interest in GT racing globally.”

The 31-year-old Dutchman, who finished runner-up in the event in 2014, will get his first laps in the mid-engined Acura in a test at Monza on Friday.

“I’ve shared a track with the NSX GT3 in the IMSA Sports Car Championship this year and had noticed how stunning it is to look at, so to be able to drive the manufacturer car for Honda at Macau is an incredible opportunity for me,” van der Zande said.

“Macau is the perfect place to showcase a car like this because the circuit has everything, and with my experience of racing there eight times, I’m sure we can put on a good show for Honda and for the fans.”

Honda will make a total of 12 cars available to customers for next year, with two already having been confirmed for a to-be-announced client in Japan, according to Honda Performance Development President Art St. Cyr.

Up to three cars could be competing in the WeatherTech Championship next year. 

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

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