PK Carsport has confirmed a two-pronged Audi offensive on the Pro-Am category of the 2022 GT2 European Series.
The team has confirmed an all-Belgian driver line-up for its pair of Audi R8 LMS GT2s. with a new partnership of Stienes Longin and Nicolas Saelens for the #11 entry, whilst Bert Longin and Peter Guelinckx return for a second season in the #81.
The PK Carsport Audis will roll out on track for the first round at Imola dressed in Belgian black-yellow-red liveries, ready for a fresh attack on the 2022 championship. “Four Belgian drivers, competing for a Belgian team in an international championship, we wanted to be sure it did not go unnoticed!” said Team Manager, Anthony Kumpen.
Fanatec GT2 European Series runners up last season, Longin and Guelinckx seized three outright race wins at Monza, Misano and Spa-Francorchamps, amid an impressive eight podiums to come a close second in the inaugural title fight. “I am still pretty proud of the fact that we were there when it all started,” adds Kumpen. “Especially since I am convinced that this series will grow considerably in the upcoming season.”
Longin and Guelinckx return intent on going one better and sealing the title for PK Carsport this year. First, however, they must fight off some stiff competition from within their own ranks – and in Bert’s case his own family – from the new driver pairing in the team’s sister Audi.
The #11 car will be driven by former NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Stienes Longin, son of Bert and, and Nicolas Saelens, who graduates fresh from winning the Belcar Endurance GT class:
Bert Longin: “Last year we were runners-up, this year we want to win the championship. Together with Anthony we again managed to piece together a solid project. One plus one equals three in this case, on all levels. And having two cars will allow us to quickly make progress. In finding the right set-up for each circuit, for example. Practice time is limited, so any time we can gain there, could be making an enormous difference.”
Peter Guelinckx: “Bert is in better shape than ever, and over the last couple of months I have become a more mature driver. I think we will need to be at our best, if we want to become champions. We realise that our team-mates could become our fiercest rivals in the title fight. In this championship the Am driver plays an important part, and even though I have a lot more experience with the Audi, Nicolas has plenty of racing experience. It will be interesting, that’s for sure.”
Nicolas Saelens: “It will be a nice challenge,” smiles Nicolas Saelens, “Competing in an international championship, for one of Belgium’s best racing teams, what more can a driver want? I will need some time getting used to the car, but my experience with the Huracán Super Trofeo should come in helpful.”
Stienes Longin: “Ever since I saw my dad and Anthony racing in the FIA GT championship, I wanted to compete in an SRO championship. And preferably with a powerful car. I finally managed that, and I am pretty proud that I did. I am really looking forward to this season.”
The post All-Belgian Squad For Two-Car PK Carsport Audi Effort first appeared on dailysportscar.com.