> Reigning Pro/Am champion switches to Silver Cup class
> Mercedes-AMG factory ace returns to British GT
RAM Racing will expand its British GT Championship programme next season after confirming this year’s overall runner-up, Sam De Haan, will partner Patrick Kujala in one of two 2020-specification Mercedes-AMG GT3s.
The Silver Cup class duo are joined by reigning Silverstone 500 winner Ian Loggie, who remains with RAM for a second season, and Mercedes-AMG factory ace Yelmer Buurman.
The move represents a significant change for De Haan who won the Pro/Am title in his second season with Jonny Cocker, Barwell Motorsport and Lamborghini earlier this year.
That success has prompted a switch to Silver driver status for 2020 when he will partner Kujala. The 23-year-old Finn has made a handful of British GT appearances with Barwell over the last three years alongside his Blancpain GT Series commitments with the same team. He also finished third in this season’s Italian Porsche Carrera Cup.
“After finishing a challenging yet enjoyable 2019 season, claiming the Pro/Am title in British GT, I felt that it was the right time to make some changes with my personal set-up and move forward as a silver-graded driver,” revealed De Haan.
“After meeting RAM Racing and seeing what they had to offer, I was taken aback by the level of detail that goes into their set-up as well as being hugely impressed with the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 car. I’m extremely excited to begin this new chapter in my career with one of the best teams in Europe, as well as undoubtedly the best all-round car in the Mercedes... Full steam ahead!”
There are also changes in the other evo-specification entry, which features two British GT race winners.
Loggie has partnered Callum Macleod for the last three full seasons but will now receive manufacturer assistance from one of Mercedes-AMG’s front-line stars, Buurman. The Dutchman usually competes in the Blancpain GT Series and Intercontinental GT Challenge but will dovetail his factory commitments with another stint in British GT, which he previously contested with Lee Mowle and ERC Sport in 2018.
“Since joining RAM Racing, almost a year ago, we have had some incredible moments,” said Loggie. “The highlight of 2019 was winning the Silverstone 500, but unfortunately, the British GT Championship was beyond our reach due to a cycling accident I had whilst training. The team has been amazing and totally faultless. The preparation, attention to detail and professionalism goes beyond compare. British GT will be our main focus in 2020. I’m sure we will be lifting trophies throughout the season but most of all focussing on being crowned 2020 British GT champions!”
Buurman added: “I am really excited to be joining RAM Racing next season and to be returning to the British GT Championship after a year away, I’ve missed racing on the British tracks as they are quite old school and challenging with little room for mistakes. After competing in the 2018 Barcelona 24 Hours with the team, I could see their potential and I am very happy to be a partnered with Ian Loggie for next season. We’ve got a great line-up and a great package, and I see no reason why we can’t be competing for race wins and the championship.”
The 2020 British GT Championship begins at Oulton Park on Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (April 11 & 13). Reserve your tickets here.