HTP Parts Ways with Bentley; Team Parker to Run Continental GT3s

After only one season, HTP Motorsport and Bentley have parted ways, with Team Parker Racing instead fielding two Continental GT3s in the Blancpain Endurance Series Pro Am Cup in 2016.

Following a switch from the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, the successful German team claimed the 2015 Blancpain Sprint Series drivers’ title with Maxi Buhk and Vincent Abril behind the wheel of the British car.

The team campaigned five Continental GT3s across the ADAC GT Masters and Blancpain GT Series.

“We had a fantastic year of racing with HTP Motorsport,” said Bentley’s Director of Motorsport Brian Gush. “Together, we took the Continental GT3’s first international drivers’ championship win and worked closely to develop and nurture their talented drivers by offering them opportunities in the works team.”

Both Buhk and Abril currently have a factory deal with the Crewe-based manufacturer.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing that the deal has come to an end but we look forward to racing alongside them in future and wish them every luck for 2016,” Gush added.

As HTP Motorsport’s season-long contract comes to an end, Team Parker Racing joins the Bentley family.

Ian Loggie and Julian Westwood won the BES Am Cup drivers’ title with the Audi R8 LMS ultra of the British team, which will now switch to the Bentley Continental GT3.

The deal will see the team run two cars in the Blancpain Endurance Series Pro-Am category and two cars in the British GT Championship.

“It is a fantastic British brand, which is close to my heart”, said team principal Stuart Parker.

“From the very first conversation to signing the contract last week, we’ve felt incredibly welcome and close to the factory and that’s a unique experience when dealing with a manufacturer.

“The Continental GT3 has proven itself in Europe, so we know we can hit the ground running in the Blancpain Endurance Series, and we’re looking forward to taking Bentley back to the British GT Championship grid.”

Details about the Team Parker Racing driver lineups will be announced in the coming months, while there’s no word on what cars HTP will run next year.