Tech 1 Lexus Program Set for Silver, Am Classes

Photo: Tech 1 Racing

Tech 1 Racing isn’t set to enter its Lexus RC F GT3 in the Pro class of the Blancpain GT Series, but is instead looking at Silver Cup and Am entries. 

The French team, which runs prototypes as Panis-Barthez Competition, was announced as Lexus’ new lead European customer team earlier this month.

Despite this status, which sees the Sarah and Simon Abadie-led operation effectively take over from Emil Frey Racing, it isn’t set to fight for outright wins this season.

Driver lineups are yet to be determined but Sportscar365 understands it is most likely to run in the Am class in the Blancpain GT Endurance Cup and Silver Cup in Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe.

“We had to find the best possible opportunity,” Simon Abadie told Endurance-Info.

“The project was completed fairly late, but we will have good support from Lexus. The team is up and there is no reason that things will go wrong.

“We are aware of [the challenge of] tackling the biggest championship in GT racing.”

It is therefore likely that there will be no Lexuses in the Pro class this season, as Emil Frey, which was the only team to run the car in European Blancpain GT competition last season, switches to Lamborghini.

Tech 1’s initial announcement didn’t mention how many cars it will run, although it is expected to start the season with one Lexus before adding a second car beginning at the Total 24 Hours of Spa.

“Having two cars is the best way to learn,” said Abadie. “We lack experience with the competition and we must catch up.

“It’s a big gamble for Lexus and ourselves to get into the championship just a month before the first date.

“Being in LMP2 is an advantage even if we have to learn the subtleties of the championship. The current GT3s are real racing cars.

“The Lexus is well finished, we can immediately feel the quality of the product.”

Laurent Mercier contributed to this report.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.