Simon Orange and Michael O’Brien, reigning GT Cup champions, will join the Intelligent Money British GT Championship grid in 2023.
The duo will campaign their Orange Racing Powered by McLaren 720S GT3 after making their debut at Donington in 2022 where they finished fourth.
In preparation for the forthcoming domestic season, Orange and O’Brien will be joined by Marcus Clutton for the four-race Asian Le Mans Series in February.
Simon Orange is looking forward to carrying the momentum of their GT Cup success into his first full-season British GT campaign.
“After what turned out to be quite a year in 2022, I can’t wait to get started again, only this time at the top level of GT racing in the UK by joining the Intelligent Money British GT Championship,” he said. “It’s going to be really tough as the other drivers, and teams, are the best in the business. But I believe in what we have built over the last few years and we go into this season with a great car and a great team.
“Having Michael as part of the team is a massive help. We’ve built a great relationship, on and off the track, and he’s constantly trying to improve me as a driver and it’s now time to put that knowledge to good use. In Michael we have one of the quickest Pro drivers out there and we haven’t signed up for the experience, we’re here to take it to the other teams and win races! Bring it on!”
Michael O’Brien, who missed out on the GT4 drivers title by two points in 2018, is confident that he and Orange will be title contenders in 2023.
“I’m delighted to be heading back to the Intelligent Money British GT Championship full time this season with Simon and the team at Orange Racing powered by JMH, after a hugely successful first two seasons together,” he said. “We’ve got a busy winter ahead with a full campaign in the Asian Le Mans Series but that should also serve as great preparation for myself, and the team, and put us in a strong position for the season opener at Oulton Park.
“Despite a strong showing at the Donington Decider last season, we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas, such is the level of the championship! My goal is clear: I’m here to win the championship and I want to make sure we’re in a position to do that. With such a strong team, and team-mate, around me, alongside the mighty McLaren 720S GT3 we’re in a good place coming into the ‘23 season.”
The 2023 Intelligent Money British GT Championship season gets underway at Oulton Park on April 8 and 10..
