Sébastien Loeb Racing Confirms FIA GT Series Entry
Loeb And Parente To Pair Up

Further to our news item on Wednesday, the Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham was the venue for the formal launch of the FIA GT Series, with a six race calendar that includes five races in Europe.

More significantly, the SRO stated that they are confident that they will achieve a full grid of 24 cars at the races having received either an intention to compete or strong interest from a number of teams, as follows:

Likely full season entries:

Belgian Audi Club Team WRT - Audi
Vita4One Racing - BMW
Reiter Engineering - Lamborghini
Sunred - Audi
Phoenix Racing - Audi
HDC - Mercedes
ProSpeed Competition - Porsche
Novadriver - Audi
Rodrive Competições - Ford
Sébastien Loeb Racing - McLaren

Possible full season or race-by-race entries:

BMW Team Brazil - BMW
Hexis Racing - McLaren
Sofrev Auto Sport - Ferrari
Saintéloc Racing – Audi

The final entry list will be published at a later date, but Sébastien Loeb Racing has confirmed its entry of two MP4-12C GT3s, with Loeb himself and McLaren factory driver Alvaro Parente teaming up in the first of the team cars.

"The FIA GT Series fits all of our criteria, with 100% professional driving squads and sprint-type races," said Dominique Heintz, team manager. "On the one hand, we wanted to take the next step in GT. On the other, Sébastien wanted to make a solid reconversion to circuit racing. It’s the perfect program for the driver Sébastien Loeb and the team Sébastien Loeb Racing."

"I want to prepare to drive in the WTCC project with Citroën and that’s going to happen with a circuit focused schedule in 2013," said Loeb.

"I like sprint races and I appreciate GTs, which are cars that are very nice to drive. I don’t yet know all the ins and outs of circuit racing and I really wanted to drive with another pro to learn and progress. Sharing the wheel with one of the best GT drivers is the ideal solution."

"This package gives me the confidence to have a solid season," said Parente. "Everyone knows Sébastien’s talent and he’s shown his ability to adapt quickly to new situations. To be driving with him is incredible!

"I discovered the team during a test at Navarra, with a perfect working environment. As always, the target will be to be fast and aim for the highest position. I’m looking forward to drive for Sébastien Loeb Racing and McLaren, with the MP4-12C that I know very well and that I enjoy.

Several further announcements are expected in the next few weeks.