Lemeret signs as Full Speed confirm FIA GT campaign

Full Speed Racing has confirmed its intentions to contest a full FIA GT Championship campaign in 2009, with Belgian Stephane Lemeret  announced as part of its two-car driver line up.

Last month, the team revealed plans to compete in the Le Mans Series and, subject to an invitation from the ACO, at the Le Mans 24 Hours with American racer Emerson Newton-John and has now added the world’s premier GT racing series to an exciting sporting programme.

Full Speed will enter a pair of GT1 Saleen S7Rs in the SRO-run series, with the experienced Lemeret signed to drive one of the American-built muscle cars.

The 36-year-old has a wealth of experience in GT racing and has twice finished second overall in the FIA GT Championship’s blue riband event, the Spa 24 Hours, including last year when he drove for the all-conquering Vitafone Maserati squad. He has also won numerous domestic titles in his native Belgium, including the Renault Megane Trophy, Renault Clio Cup and Belgian Touring Car Championship.

Lemeret admitted he had several opportunities for the new season, but was swayed by the involvement of Full Speed Racing Team Principal Graham Nash and the chance to race the Saleen S7R.

“I’m delighted to finally get the chance to race full-time in the top category of the FIA GT Championship,” he said. “I have worked with Graham before and he is someone I have a lot of respect for. I got in touch as soon as I found out that he was back in international sportscar racing and I’m thrilled that everything is now signed. I raced the Saleen in 2005 and I loved driving the car, so I can’t wait for the season to start at Silverstone in May.”

Lemeret’s 2009 co-driver has yet to be decided and while the team are still looking for one driver for their second entry, they are close to announcing a deal for one seat with a respected German professional.

Team Principal Graham Nash said: “We’re thrilled to have Stephane on board and to be adding a full two-car FIA GT Championship programme to our Le Mans Series and, subject to invitation, Le Mans 24 Hours campaigns. We’re still interested in speaking to drivers to complete our line-up, but 2009 is already shaping up to be a very exciting season for the team.”