De Angelis Working Through “A Lot of Differences” in Aston GT4

Photo: Camden Thrasher/Heart of Racing

Roman De Angelis said he’s working through “a lot of differences” in coming to grips with the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 compared to his usual Vantage GT3 ride in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The reigning IMSA GTD champion has been a late call-up to replace Heart of Racing team principal Ian James in the No. 24 Aston alongside Gray Newell, amid the team’s expansion into the FIA World Endurance Championship beginning with this weekend’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

It marks the 22-year-old Canadian’s first Pirelli GT4 America start since 2020 when he took part in two races with Team Panoz Racing in its Avezzano GT4, in a program that was also managed by James.

“It feels good to be back in the SRO paddock,” De Angelis said. “I haven’t spent a lot of time in it, but when I have it’s been a great experience. It’s been a few years since I’ve competed with this group of drivers and even then, it was at tracks that I had raced on before.

“That just makes me that much more excited to get back on track with the help from our Heart of Racing crew who knows the track and the series.

“I have been lucky enough to work with everyone that works with our Heart of Racing SRO program in one form or another and it’s been great just getting reunited with them.

“I was able to meet Hannah (Grisham) and Rianna (O’Meara-Hunt) at the shootout back in November so it’s been awesome catching up with them as well.

“And Gray (Newell) and I have shared a car in the 24H Series as well and I’m happy to be sharing a car with him this weekend.”

While having previous Aston GT4 experience from last year’s Hankook 24H Dubai, De Angelis said he’s still working on coming to grips with the car, especially when used to piloting the GT3 variant.

“There are a lot of differences I’m working through with the GT4 car versus the GT3 car,” he said. “It’s honestly like driving a completely different car.

“The only thing that makes you feel like you are in an Aston Martin is the wheel and the interior are laid out the same as the GT3!

“At least that makes me feel at home, but it’s a much different car.

“The GT4 rolls a lot more and is overall not as stiff as what I experience with the GT3 spec.

“There is a lot less power, but it’s a really enjoyable car to drive. There is a bit of a different driving style that goes with the GT4, but I like the challenge.

“I think getting to race multiple different cars is always great because it kind of helps you learn to adapt, which makes it easy to look forward to driving the GT4.”

This weekend also marks De Angelis’ first time at the 2.75-mile, 16-turn NOLA circuit.

“There isn’t any elevation, but it’s still fun and has a really good flow,” he said. “I think it’s fun in the GT4 car. There are lots of big curbs to hit. I’m definitely interested to see how the racing is here.

“Obviously these fast flowy narrow tracks are sometimes difficult to pass on, but that will also make it a bit more fun. I think we might have a lot of traffic with 41 cars out on track, so it will be key to just stay out of trouble and play it safe.

“We had a great test yesterday, but I’m ready to get into the remainder of the weekend. I think we have a fast Aston Martin.”

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