Connect with us

GT World Challenge Europe

Madpanda Returns to Defend Silver Cup Title

Madpanda Motorsport back in GTWC Europe for second season; Companc first named driver…

Image: Madpanda Motorsport

Madpanda Motorsport will seek to defend its Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Silver Cup class title this year with a single Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

The Spanish squad announced its return to the series on Wednesday, with 2020 Silver Cup drivers’ champion and team principal Ezequiel Companc named as the lead driver.

Companc will compete in both Endurance Cup and Sprint Cup while his co-drivers for the two series are yet to be announced.

Madpanda has also launched a new livery for its second campaign in GTWC Europe with the team’s panda logo covering large parts of the No. 90 Mercedes-AMG.

The team made its racing debut last year as Companc added team management to his ongoing role as a driver, fielding the Mercedes in both Endurance and Sprint.

Companc and Axcil Jefferies placed second in the Sprint Cup standings behind Sainteloc Racing’s Simon Gachet and Steven Palette.

In Endurance, Companc was joined by Patrick Assenheimer and four other co-drivers across the season. The team’s best result was third in the 6 Hours of the Nürbrugring, while Companc and Assenheimer ended up fifth in the drivers’ championship.

The combined scores from Sprint and Endurance resulted in Madpanda achieving the GTWC Europe teams’ title in its inaugural year.

Madpanda recently conducted two February tests at Valencia, which is a new venue for Sprint Cup this year, and Monza where the 2021 Endurance season is due to start.

“It’s exciting to confirm our return to GT World Challenge Europe, a championship that I have enjoyed being a part of for many years, and that we have great memories of from last year,” said Companc.

“Our pre-season program is going very well so far, with two productive tests and more to come.

“We have been evaluating and testing drivers, so we’re looking to get that locked up soon, but there is still a lot of work to be done before the first round at Monza.

“Last but not least, we’re really proud to show our new livery. The 2020 design was hugely popular and we’re grateful for all our fans’ support, so we hope they like this year’s design just as much – or more!”

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

Click to comment
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

More in GT World Challenge Europe