The success of the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge convinced the company to bring it back for 2011 with an increased number of races and an expanded grid. The V8 Vantage GT4 Challenge is not a good start for those seeking a career in GT racing. It’s also not that expensive, the entry fee for the season is £12,950 per car.

For 2011, Aston Martin Racing has increased the number of races to nine, including two rounds in mainland Europe at Spa Francorchamps and Dijon, as well as introducing two longer, three hour races.  The grid size is expected to grow to 20 cars, as more teams join the series in its second season.

The GT4 Challenge is open to Aston Martin Vantage N24 and GT4 cars, including the new enhanced Vantage GT4 for 2011. To ensure competitive racing, there will be mandatory pit stops and teams can have one, two or three drivers.  Interest in the 2011 challenge is strong with six teams already signed-up.

“This year showed what demand there was from Aston Martin owners for their own one-make series and it is because of their positive feedback and their suggestions that we are expanding the series next year and including longer races,” said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards. “I was fortunate to have competed at the Silverstone round this year and I fully intend to get behind the wheel again in 2011; this time in the new Vantage GT4.”

Provisional 2011 calendar:

30 April	Silverstone (90 min)
14 May	Snetterton (180 min)
25 June	Donington Park (180 min)
26 June	Donington Park (90 min)
8-9 July	Spa Francorchamps (2 x 60 min)
6 August	Oulton Park (90 min)
27 August	Brands Hatch (90 min)
10-11 September	Dijon Prenois (80 min)