Optimum all set for three-car push as British GT gets underway at Oulton Park

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Optimum Motorsport return to British GT Championship once again, scaling up from a single car operation in 2018 to three cars for the current campaign which gets underway this coming Easter weekend at Oulton Park with two one-hour races.

In the GT3 category, Optimum Motorsport are the defending champions and field the new Aston Martin Vantage for Ollie Wilkinson and Bradley Ellis in the Silver Cup class.

Bradley won the championship in 2007 and has raced with Ollie extensively in the International GT Open recently. It’s Ollie’s first season in the championship and while strong results are the aim, the additional 30 kilos of Silver-Cup ballast the team are forced to run, make outright victories against the Pro-Am combinations a real challenge.

Ollie Wilkinson, #96 GT3

"It will be amazing to return to race on the tracks I first learnt my trade on with the stunning Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and experience the pinnacle of British motorsport. There will be a lot for me to take on board, but I can’t wait to get on the grid at Oulton Park."

Bradley Ellis, #96 GT3

"The Silver Cup is a little unknown for us, as we have to carry a lot of penalty weight as a Silver-Silver pairing. The level of competition is fierce and it’s another big step for Ollie in a more pressured environment. The longer endurance races, a new tyre compound and some regulations will be new to him, but he meets every challenge head-on and keeps raising his game, so he’s going to relish the experience.”

GT4 is not new to Optimum Motorsport, having enjoyed championship success in the past. For the new season, the team fields Silver entries for Connor O’Brien / Jack Butel and Mike Robinson / Patrik Matthiesen. With the exception of 2016 champion Mike, all of the GT4 drivers are part of the AMR Young Driver Academy and all will be pushing for wins and podiums from the outset.

Jack Butel, #35 GT4

"British GT has always been a series I have followed from a young age and to finally be here is a massive achievement for me. Now that I am here, I have to make the most of this opportunity and give it my all. I am under no illusion – it’s going to be a massive step-up, but I am ready to mix it with the best and work with Connor to take this new car to the front of the GT4 category."

Connor O'Brien, #35 GT4

"The first race is just a couple of days away, to say I’m excited is an understatement! We’ve had a good pre-season test programme; I’ve been really impressed with the new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 it’s an amazing car! Myself and Jack got to grips with it very quick! So, let’s hope we can be up near the front!"

Patrik Matthiesen, #75 GT4

"It's the first race weekend of the year and that is always a big deal. I'm so excited for my second season, especially as I will be driving the brand-new Aston Martin Vantage GT4. I have already done some laps in the car and it feels great!"This year will be my first year with Optimum Motorsport and they are showing a high level of performance. I’m really looking forward to working with Mike Robinson, he is fast and we will make a strong partnership. The Aston Martin Racing Young Driver Academy is also an exciting opportunity for me.”

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