Vitaly Petrov joins Blancpain GT Series grid for Endurance Cup assault
Vitaly Petrov will make his Blancpain GT Series debut in 2018 as part of an expanded effort by SMP Racing.
The Russian driver has been confirmed for the five-round Endurance Cup schedule in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 fielded by AKKA-ASP team and carrying the SMP Racing colours.
Petrov is set to lead a three-man crew that also features Russian teenager Denis Bulatov and AKKA-ASP regular Michael Meadows. The team will be present at Circuit Paul Ricard next week for the official Blancpain GT Series test days (13/14 March).
Petrov comes with a wealth of competitive experience, including a three-year stint in Formula 1 that saw him become Russia’s first grand prix driver and its first podium finisher.
The SMP entry forms part of an ambitious 2018 schedule for Jerome Policand’s AKKA-ASP outfit, which is set to field four Endurance Cup cars and three Sprint efforts across multiple classes this year.
The Petrov-Bulatov-Meadows car represents the second SMP-backed entry that will compete in the Endurance Cup this term. Last week, the Russian squad confirmed that Mikhail Aleshin will drive their AF Corse-run effort alongside Ferrari factory drivers Davide Rigon and Miguel Molina.
Source: https://www.blancpain-gt-series.com
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