United Autosports Press Release
- Third car for the team in 2013
- Superb driver pairing with Matt Bell and Mark Patterson
- Early investment part of the team’s long term plans
United Autosports is set to stamp its intent on the 2013 British GT Championship with the announcement that they will run a third race car, the highly competitive Audi R8 Ultra LMS GT3 alongside a pair of McLaren MP4 12C GT3’s.
Matt Bell and Mark Patterson, regulars with the team and no strangers inside the Audi cockpit, will join forces next year with the sole intent: to mount a challenge for the overall title.
Earlier this year United Autosports invested in a new Audi R8 Ultra LMS GT3 which along with its aerodynamic enhancements, gives the car greater speed and stability.
The move is a natural progression for United Autosports which have amassed a wealth of experience in GT and sports car racing having competed in the last two years in the Dunlop 24 hours of Dubai, the Abu Dhabi 12 Hour race, the Bathurst 12 Hour race, Daytona 24 hours, Petit Le Mans, FIA GT3 Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series and the British GT Championship.
Matt Bell
“I’m very excited about the announcement. I’ve been with United Autosports for three years now, and I’m very pleased to be making it a fourth. I’ve driven with Mark several times, in the 24 Hours of Spa and Dubai. We get on really well. He is an extremely quick driver, and I am happy to be alongside him and I’m looking forward to the year. We will be back in the Audi, and it will be a bit like being “back home” for us. It’s where I’ve spent most of my career so far. The Audi has huge potential so we are in a good position. The competition is very strong, and I expect next year to be even more so. I’m over the moon to have the deal secured and can now focus on the challenges that 2013 will bring.”
Mark Patterson
“Matt and I will be teamed up for an entire season for the first time, which is exciting. We raced at the Spa 24 Hours earlier this year in the Audi Ultra and were both very impressed with the upgraded package. I know we share the same level of focus and commitment to performing at the limit. With Audi’s factory support we are comfortable that we can challenge for podiums and be in a position to fight for the title. Despite travelling from the United States of America to compete I'm very comfortable with Silverstone, Snetterton and Oulton Park. Most importantly, we believe the balance of driver competition is right in our sweet spot, so we're looking forward to some tough and competitive racing with reliable results on a repetitive basis.
United Autosports will feature both Audis and McLarens in the British GT championship, so we'll be having our own little duels in-house and out on the track. I can't wait.”
Richard Dean - United Autosports Team Owner and Managing Director
“We have effectively been running two GT teams for the last two years with our BGT and FIA campaigns running independently of each other. The Audi has been the car to beat in the major races during 2012 and we have three years experience and a great relationship with Audi Sport. We are also in our third year with Mark and Matt and I believe they will prove to be one of the strongest driver pairings in the BGT. It is a really exciting time for us, and everybody involved in the team.”
Benjamin Franassovici - British GT Championship Manager
‘We are delighted that United Autosports have made the commitment to the British GT championship once more and with such a high profile, multi car entry. United Autosports always bring a high standard to the championship through its preparation and presentation. This early announcement shows the strength and popularity of the British GT continues to grow, more exciting announcements will follow before the New Year…’
In 2012 United Autosports competed in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, Legends of Motorsports in the USA and selected Historic Motor Racing events.
