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Abril Replaces Meyrick in Bentley Factory Lineup

Vincent Abril graduates to Bentley factory driver status, joins No. 7 car…

Photo: HTP/Xynamic

Photo: HTP/Xynamic

Vincent Abril has joined Bentley Motorsport’s roster of factory drivers, as the 20-year old Monegasque pilot replaces Andy Meyrick in the Blancpain Endurance Series next year.

Following a strong first season with the Bentley Team HTP squad, which culminated in the 2015 Blancpain Sprint Series title, Abril will graduate to the M-Sport team.

Managed by former F1 driver Olivier Panis, Abril made no secret of his ambition to secure a factory drive for the 2016 season.

“We were very impressed by his performance this year with Bentley Team HTP, and his championship win was the reward for a strong and consistent season,” said Bentley’s Director of Motorsport Brian Gush.

The BSS champion will join British Bentley Boys Guy Smith and Steven Kane, who have both re-signed with the team, in the No. 7 Continental GT3 in Blancpain Endurance.

The trio will have their first race together in the Sepang 12 Hours in December, where Bentley will field two factory cars.

Andy Soucek, Maxime Soulet and Maxi Buhk have all been retained by the British manufacturer and will continue on the No. 8 car.

“They have formed a very strong team in the last few months and have all proved an excellent turn of speed. We have high hopes for them next year,” added Gush.

Andy Meyrick meanwhile has been dropped from the BES lineup, but Bentley is looking to maintain its relationship with him in another way.

Vincent Wouters (@VinceWouters) is a Belgium-based sports car racing reporter, providing coverage primarily of the Blancpain GT Series.

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