Sport

Charlie Eastwood will be "a good fit" says Corvette Racing chief

Belfast driver Charlie Eastwood has joined Corvette Racing after six seasons with Aston Martin Racing
Belfast driver Charlie Eastwood has joined Corvette Racing after six seasons with Aston Martin Racing
By Dan James

THE boss of Corvette Racing’s GT3.R programme believes that Charlie Eastwood is going to prove “a good fit” for the American squad in this season’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

Belfast driver Eastwood is joining the Kentucky squad after spending six consecutive seasons as a points scorer for Aston Martin Racing, during which time he enjoyed multiple pole position starts and 31 podium finishes. 

Success at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – two of the world’s most iconic motorsport events – took his class victory total to eleven. 

He is one of four new names to appear on Corvette Racing’s payroll for 2024, with the other three being Daniel Juncadella, Earl Bamber and Nico Varrone. Bringing youth and experience, they join current drivers Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Alexander Sims respectively. 

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“Charlie is a great fit for Corvette Racing,” Christie Bagne, Corvette Racing’s GT3.R Programme Manager, told Irish News Sport. 

“With the shift to GT3 racing, it was important for us to add drivers to our roster with proven success working in both Pro and Pro-Am efforts. The experience and success Charlie has achieved with TF Sport – including Le Mans wins – made him an ideal choice to join the roster at Corvette. 

“In addition, Charlie has a strong background with simulation development, including with the Mercedes Formula One programme, plus diverse experience in prototypes, formula cars and GT racing. Combined with his age, they can help General Motors’ racing programmes,” added Bagne. 

The agreement will see TF Sport run the new 5.5-litre powered Corvette Z06 GT3.R machine for Eastwood in WEC, which is growing to eight rounds, meaning the Irishman will continue his long-standing relationship with Tom Ferrier. 

They have worked together in WEC during the 2018, 2019 and 2020 campaigns and again this year – something Eastwood believes should pay dividends when it comes to getting the maximum out of the car in the build-up to the opening round on March 2. 

“Being a brand-new car with new regulations going to GT3 from GTE, knowing the team and the engineers already can give us the upper hand in how quickly we can develop a brand-new car,” said the 28-year-old. 

“It is a short timeframe between receiving the car and only a few days testing before we get to Qatar. We need to make sure that we are making the most of the time we have together. Knowing the personnel and engineers, I hope that will put us in a really good place.”