GTWCE: JOTA returns with Bell, Wilkinson and Kirchhöfer

Frant-based Jota Sport will return to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS for a full-season campaign with the McLaren 720S GT3.

McLaren factory driver Ollie Wilkinson will be reunited with fellow works ace Rob Bell for the Sprint Cup events, the duo to be joined by Marvin Kirchhöfer for the five Endurance Cup rounds.

It was Wilkinson who was at the wheel when the 26-year-old, Leeds-based pilot speared off the Brands Hatch GP circuit at high speed after contact during the 2021 season. Miraculously, Wilkinson escaped serious injury.

Wilkinson is looking forward to the new season.

“It’s great to be back with JOTA for another GT World Challenge Europe attack,” said Wilkinson. “Rob and I came painfully close to scoring our first podium last season. We showed we have the pace and potential. This year, we’re aiming for those top-three results in the McLaren.

Since graduating to cars in 2012, Kirchhöfer has established himself as a rising star in sportscars. In 2021 the German pilot drove with Garage 59 and with Callaway Competition in the ADAC GT Masters.

With teammates Bell and Kirchhöfer, Ollie Wilkinson is keen to get back in the driving seat for the 2022 GT World Challenge Europe season.

“I can’t wait to get started,”said Ollie. “Although we got some great results, last season was frustrating at times. We came so close to taking our first wins and podiums. But with that frustration comes the confidence that it can only be a matter of time before we get that top-three result.

“With Marvin joining us this season, we have some new energy and experience in the team. We come back fitter and stronger, ready to get those top results.”

The 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS gets underway at Imola on April 3.