The 2026 International GT Open will see a full-time return, and in style, of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 cars. The first to be announced will be entered by Blackthorn Racing, a prestigious new entry in the GT Open.
Since its formation in 2022 by Claude Bovet, the Oxfordshire-based squad directed by Dan Jeal has made a name for itself on the GT racing scene through its success in series such as the British GT, the GT World Challenge Europe, the Michelin Le Mans Cup and the Asian Le Mans.
The yellow-livered Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will be fielded in the Pro-Am class to Britain’s Charles Bateman (39) and AMR driver Jonny Adam (41) from Scotland, a three-time British GT champion and double Le Mans 24 Hours class winner.
In two rounds, Portimão and Barcelona, Adam won’t be available because other commitments, leaving the wheel to the 2020 GT Open champion and Le Mans 24 class winner Henrique Chaves (28). The Portuguese will therefore be a very welcome local hero at the season-opener in Portimão.
In a statement, Blackthorn Racing said: “We are ready for a new exciting challenge that will bring more experience and a lot of battles to our season.”
