Team Parker drivers determined to close points gap in Rd9
Podium silverware the target as British GT returns to UK soil
Bentley Continental GT3 racer Seb Morris heads to Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in Kent next weekend, 5th/6th August, for the penultimate race of the British GT Championship season – an event which will almost certainly be absolutely crucial for the destiny of the 2017 title.
Returning to UK soil following the overseas visit of British GT to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium three weeks ago, where Morris and team-mate Rick Parfitt Jnr retained second position in the standings, the Team Parker Racing drivers are focused on closing the 12 point gap to the championship lead.
Round nine next weekend reverts to the two-hour format and with the longer encounters tending to suit the multiple race winners, as well as the full-length GP track lending itself to the No.31 Bentley’s strengths, hopes are high of mounting a serious bid for podium silverware.
Last year at the GP track, Morris and Parfitt Jnr secured pole position and went on to finish in second place in their maiden British GT outing so a repeat of that level of performance – or even more with race victory – would obviously be warmly welcomed.
“It’s great to be back racing in the UK next weekend and Rick and I are as determined as ever to close down the Lamborghini guys in the championship”, said BRDC Superstar and MSA Team UK driver Morris, “With only two races to go there’s everything to play for, a big result at Brands is going to be vital for our championship and we’re confident we will be competitive.
“Spa didn’t go quite to plan but we still took away some good results to keep us well within touching distance of the top of the championship and that’s the target obviously. Hopefully we can qualify well like last season and mount a challenge for the win, that’s what we’re all working towards.”
After excelling in his first season of endurance racing last year, from the outset this season Morris has been a true standout performer. At Oulton Park during the championship curtain-raiser, he set the quickest ever GT3 lap around the Cheshire track’s full International Circuit configuration.
Going on to claim his and Parfitt Jnr’s first win of the campaign in round three at Rockingham, a consolidatory weekend followed at Snetterton before the highlight result of the season to date – the magnificent, and utterly dominant, second victory with a winning margin of more than a minute at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.
Last time out at Spa, Morris again confirmed his searing pace with a brand new GT3 lap record for the legendary Belgian track – a performance which netted him the ‘Sunoco Fastest Driver of the Weekend’ accolade.
Opening practice at Brands Hatch GP Circuit will take place at 09.30 on Saturday, 5th August, with session two following at 12.05 ahead of qualifying at 16.25. On Sunday, 6th August, warm-up will get underway at 10.00 with the 120-minute ninth round of the season scheduled to commence at 14.10.
Live timing will be available HERE with live free-to-air television coverage on the Front Runner channel. See listings for details.
2017 British GT Championship Driver Standings
2nd Seb Morris & Rick Parfitt Jnr, 140pts
2017 British GT Championship Pro-Am Standings
2nd Seb Morris & Rick Parfitt Jnr, 144pts
