Macleod to Make Bentley Factory Debut at Paul Ricard

Photo: callummacleod.com

Callum Macleod will make his Bentley factory debut in next weekend’s Paul Ricard 1000km, in preparation for his role in the British manufacturer’s four-car effort at the Total 24 Hours of Spa.

The 31-year-old has been confirmed in the No. 108 Team M-Sport Bentley Continental GT3 alongside former Paul Ricard winners Andy Soucek and Maxime Soulet.

Macleod takes the seat of Alex Buncombe, who contested the opening two Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup rounds for the team in place of the departed Vince Abril.

Bentley has been utilizing the seat to give experience to some of its Spa-only drivers ahead of the Belgian endurance classic.

“Racing at Circuit Paul Ricard is the ideal preparation in the lead up to Spa, but it’s equally important that we get the best result we can here as well,” Macleod said.

“The Continental GT3 has run well here in the past, it’s really strong through the medium to high speed corners and is mega on the brakes.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out on track in testing and learning as much as I can from the works team drivers before the race.”

MacLeod, who spent the last three years racing Bentley’s previous-generation Continental GT3, is slated to join fellow Team Parker Racing driver Seb Morris and Brazilian rising star Rodrigo Baptista in one of the additional works entries for Spa.

Ratcliffe Joins Jenson Team Rocket RJN in One-Off Drive

Ryan Ratcliffe, meanwhile, will replace Struan Moore at the wheel of Jenson Team Rocket’s Honda NSX GT3 Evo at Paul Ricard, in an expected one-off outing for the British GT3 star.

Ratcliffe joins Philipp Frommenwiler and Matt McMurry in the RJN-run entry, which will remain in the Silver Cup.

“It’s great to have Ryan join us for this race and to give him the opportunity of trying out the Honda,” said team principal Bob Neville.

“Ryan has good experience in GT3 racing in the UK so I have no doubt we will be able to continue to challenge for honors in the Silver Cup.”

Moore, meanwhile, is expected to return for Spa.

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