Total 24 Hours of Spa winner Tom Blomqvist will contest the full GT World Challenge Europe campaign next year after signing for Aston Martin squad R-Motorsport.
The British ace recently left his role as a BMW factory driver but has quickly found a new home with the ambitious Swiss effort, which will tackle its third season in the former Blancpain GT Series next term.
Blomqvist will compete in both the Endurance Cup and Sprint Cup, making him eligible for the combined GT World Challenge Europe drivers' title. His teammates are yet to be confirmed, though R-Motorsport has already signed FIA Formula 2 graduate Luca Ghiotto for an unspecificed programme next year.
Though he has made several appearances during recent seasons 2020 will represent a first full assault on the category for Blomqvist, who took Spa victory in 2018 as part of the Walkenhorst BMW squad. His competitive history also includes stints in Formula E, IMSA and the DTM, while his junior career was highlighted by a runner-up finish in 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship, one spot ahead of Max Verstappen.
“First of all, I would like to thank BMW for their support over the past five years and wish them all the best for the future,” said Blomqvist. “I’m really looking forward to joining R-Motorsport, who are undoubtedly one of the best teams around in endurance racing. I’ve competed against them a few times and know just how competitive they are.
"The team is run in a very professional manner and is very ambitious for the future, which I find incredibly exciting as a driver. The 2020 season promises to be a great year and I am really looking forward to starting work with the team and driving the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for the first time.”
R-Motorsport team principal Dr Florian Kamelger added: “We are delighted to welcome Tom to R-Motorsport and can’t wait to see just what he can do for the team. Tom is an experienced GT racing driver, who has been quick in every race series in which he has lined up. He combines youth and experience, making him a valuable addition to our team, and we look forward to a successful future together.”
The GT World Challenge Europe official test days will take place at Circuit Paul Ricard on 12-13 March, followed by the first competitive outing of the season at Monza on 17-19 April.