Sportscar racing move for M-Sport

M-Sport will branch out into sportscar racing in 2013 when it links up with Bentley to "assist with the design of specialist components and offer focused technical expertise during the development" of the Continental GT, the manufacturer has announced.

British firm M-Sport is synonymous for its involvement with Ford’s now defunct FIA World Rally Championship campaign, handing the Blue Oval back-to-back makes’ titles in 2006 and 2007. It will run the four-strong Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team in the global series next season with the Ford Fiesta RS WRC it designed and developed.

Company boss Malcolm Wilson said: “Joining forces with Bentley to help create the new Continental GT3 is a rare privilege. Bentley’s design and analysis work to date has shown that the Continental GT road car can become an extremely competitive race car, and we are looking forward to capitalising on our extensive competition car development experience and success to help Bentley realise its goals.”

Bentley’s new creation will compete in the GT3 category from the end of 2013. A concept version will appear at the Autosport International show in the United Kingdom from 10-13 January.