YOUTHFUL LINE-UP FOR SECOND ASTON MARTIN AT BATHURST

Youthful line-up for second Aston Martin at the Bathurst 12 Hour – Photo: Supplied

R-Motorsport has announced a cast of fresh faces that will steer the teams second Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for the Bathurst 12 Hour.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

Following the announcement that established names of the sport, Rick Kelly, Scott Dixon and Jake Dennis will lead the team at Mt Panorama, the Swiss-based squad confirmed a youthful driver line-up for their second entry including two Bathurst rookies.

At just 17-year-old, Englishman Olli Caldwell is set to be one of the youngest drivers in the field. Despite his young age, he already sports an impressive resume including a GT4 class win at the Gult 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi as well as finishing fifth in the Formula Regional European Championship last year.

In addition to making his Bathurst 12 Hour debut, the trip to Australia for Caldwell will also make his debut in GT3 competition.

“I find it really exciting to start in the famous Bathurst 12 Hours with a team as professional and successful as R-Motorsport.” said Caldwell.

“The Swiss company has an impressive success story and I am looking forward to the enormous challenge that the Mount Panarama course offers.”

“I want to learn as much as possible from everyone on the team so that I can quickly adapt my driving style to the requirements of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3. It is my most important goal to support my teammates in the best possible way. I can’t wait to go out on my first lap on the mountain circuit.”

Joining Caldwell will be 24-year-old Italian Luca Ghiotto who finished third last years FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Completing the line-up is the experienced German Marvin Kirchhöfer, 25, who finished second in the Bathurst 12 Hours last year.

“We are proud to launch the strongest GT3 driver lineup we have ever had.” said Dr Florian Kamelger, Team Principal.

“With Luca Ghiotto and Olli Caldwell, we welcome two young talents to the team who form a driver trio together with the experienced R-Motorsport pro Marvin Kirchhöfer.”

“Together with Scott Dixon, Rick Kelly and Jake Dennis in the Aston Martin Vantage in Castrol colors, they complete our promising two-car team.”

“We are very happy to return to the GT3 season start after “Down Under” with this excellent driver lineup.”

“The last time we started in Bathurst we achieved a sensational second place, the best result that Aston Martin has ever achieved in this famous event.”

“The 12-hour race in Australia is one of the most important GT3 long-distance races in the world and to finish with a top result in the classic on Mount Panorama is of course a big challenge for us.”

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