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Intercontinental GT Challenge

Derani Completes Bentley’s 24H Spa Lineup

Pipo Derani added to Bentley Team M-Sport lineup for 24H Spa…

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Pipo Derani has been confirmed as the 12th and final driver in Bentley Team M-Sport’s expanded entry for next month’s Total 24 Hours of Spa.

The three-time Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring winner and current IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship points leader will drive the No. 110 car with Andy Soucek and Lucas Ordenez.

He tested the Bentley Continental GT3 for the first time last month.

“I am honored to be joining Bentley in its centenary year,” the Brazilian said. “It is a brand I have always admired and aspired to both on and off track.

“[The Continental GT3] is unlike anything I’ve ever driven before but I got to grips with it so quickly.

“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel at the test next week and I’m looking forward to battling for the 24 Hours of Spa win.”

The rest of Bentley’s expanded four-car lineup was revealed earlier in the year, with the team doubling up on its usual two-car entry for the rest of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup and Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli seasons.

Steven Kane, Jules Gounon and Jordan Pepper will form an unchanged lineup in the No. 107 car, while Maxime Soulet will share the No. 108 entry with Alex Buncombe and Markus Palttala.

The No. 109 car, meanwhile, is set to be shared by Rodrigo Baptista, Callum Macleod and Seb Morris.

“Bentley celebrates its 100th birthday on July 19 so it seems fitting for us, in the same month, to field four Continental GT3s capable of winning the 24 Hours of Spa outright,” said Bentley’s director of motorsport Brian Gush.

“We’ve selected our lineup very carefully – choosing drivers who are both fast but also reliable – and we have spent the first half of the season ensuring they have had race-relevant seat time.

“We are very happy with our 12 drivers and we’re looking forward to fighting for the overall race win.

Meyrick Amongst Team Parker’s Pro-Am Crew

Andy Meyrick will return to Team Parker Racing in the field’s other Bentley, running in the Pro-Am Cup.

The Welshman will share driving duties with Team Parker’s regular Blancpain GT Endurance Cup driver Derek Pierce and its British GT Championship pair Ryan Ratcliffe and Glynn Geddie.

“Team Parker Racing has a good line-up in the Pro-Am class and we are looking forward to supporting them as they challenge for the class win,” added Gush.

“They have always been fast here – previously taking the class pole position with the first generation Continental GT3 – so we hope luck is on their side when the flag drops.”

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

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