Rhesus Racing confirm GT4 plans

Rhesus Racing has announced that Dennis Retera and Jan Joris Verheul will lead its defence of both GT4 European Cup titles in 2011 aboard the team’s Aston Martin GT4.

The Dutch squad dominated the 12-race series last year as Paul Meijer won five times, scored seven other podiums and took nine pole positions on the way to both the drivers’ and teams’ titles.

While the former Superleague Formula and Formula Renault racer won’t attempt to retain his crown this year, Team Principal Andre Kool is confident that his 2011 driver line-up can defend both titles.

“I’m very pleased that we have interested these two top racing drivers to join Rhesus Racing,” he said. “I am convinced we can defend our championship.”

Having won multiple Formula Ford titles in the Netherlands and represented Team Holland in the A1 GP rookie sessions, Retera made the switch to GTs full time in 2008, finishing second in the GT4 European Cup Sports Light category. He has also raced in the FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC GT Masters and Dutch Supercar Challenge.

“After a few tests with Rhesus Racing last year, I’m happy to have a deal with a great team with motivated and friendly people,” said the 24-year-old. I’m also very happy with my team-mate, Jan Joris Verheul. With a strong team and good drivers I have a huge drive to defend the title and I cannot wait until the first race.”

33-year-old Dutchman Verhuel has won domestic BMW titles in his home country and was a race winner in the popular Dutch GT4 Championship last year.

“Last year I drove alone in the Aston Martin in the Dutch GT4 Championship and now I’m with Dennis Retera, a very fast driver,” he said. “Rhesus Racing is an experienced, passionate team with a European title in its pocket, and that sets very high expectations. Together with Dennis I would like to defend their title and win this year’s championship.”

Meanwhile, Kool also confirmed that the team is currently working on plans to join the new Blancpain Endurance Series and is preparing to step up to the FIA GT3 European Championship in 2012.

“We are working on running a car in the Blancpain Endurance Series, so we will have a busy year alongside our preparations to move towards the FIA GT3 European Championship next year,” he said.

Watch the GT4 European Cup on Motors TV in 2011.


Andy Wilkinson

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