And ELMS Makes Three For Griffin
Abu Dhabi Victors Reunited In GTE-Am

Matt Griffin’s ongoing quest to be the world’s busiest GT racer continues unabashed in 2012 with no fewer than three full racing programmes this season.

In addition to British GT and Blancpain Endurance Series with MTECH, the Northamptonshire-based Irish driver will again be driving for AF Corse, but this time in the GTE-Am class of the European Le Mans Series beginning at Paul Ricard next weekend.

“I consider myself very privileged to be able to drive the F458 at so many races this year, and have got to know it really well over the last year.  I’m very excited about stepping up to GT2 level in a top championship like the ELMS with a top team such as AF Corse; GT2 racing is where I want to be.”

His teammates in the ELMS will be Marco Cioci and Giuseppe Perazzini, with whom he shared top honours at the Gulf 12 hours in January.

There is no news yet of a Le Mans debut for Griffin, although that can be only a matter of time as his profile within the sport gets ever larger. Even without that on his schedule, however, there is plenty for him to focus on this year.  
 
“The Blancpain Endurance Series is going to be incredible to be involved in,” he continued. “It’s shaping up to be one of the top GT championships in the world with a huge entry list of over 50 cars, lots of the world’s best pro-drivers, and potential for massive success.
 
“Duncan and I have been very close to top British GT honours over the last few years so hopefully luck will go our way this year…well, it’s probably more a question of cancelling out bad luck and putting ourselves in a good position.  MTECH have made some very positive technical changes over the winter which will move us forward, and I believe we will be stronger than ever for both the BES and British GT.”

One of the most significant actions by MTECH over the close-season has been the hiring of the hugely experienced and successful Lee Penn as race engineer for both series. His steadying hand should ensure that the team makes significant progress towards its goals going forward.