New Bentley Continental GT3 Claims Maiden Podium

Sometimes it takes a new car a long time to earn its first podium. This can mean the car isn’t as intuitive as it could be. It’s with pride that Bentley’s new Continental GT3 took its first podium in only its third race. That’s quick in racing terms, and proves the new Bentley motorsports car will be strong out of the gate for any owner.

Proving Endurance

Bentley Team M-Sport owes thanks to drivers Steven Kane (GB), Jules Gounon (FR), and Jordan Pepper (ZA). This team was perfect for the Continental GT3, which performed spectacularly in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Paul Ricard 1,000 km in France.

This was the first time the Conti had its endurance bonafides put to the test. In some ways, this was meant as a warm-up in the months ahead of the Spa 24 Hours test. Bentley motorsports knew the car and drivers could easily place well. By the end of it, the GT3 was in a neck-and-neck competition for first. With each driver, the placement improved, from 18th to 12th to 4th and finally taking the powerful car’s first podium at 2nd.

Proving Speed

As if that wasn’t enough, the other Continental GT3 in the race set the fastest lap and was also running in the top five. In the last hour, a contact issue with the track caused the car to be pulled as a precaution. If that hadn’t happened, the GT3 could have seen two cars finish in the top five.

Proving Longevity

The second-generation Continental GT3 is only beginning to touch its potential. It will be exciting to see it go up against the first-generation, which is still racing strong. In fact, in the same time frame the first-generation GT3 claimed a second Pro/Am podium with Team Parker Racing, as well as a victory in a Thai Super Series/GT Asia race.

That adds up to a pretty good month for the Continental GT3. Racing and endurance are in its blood. Whether it’s the track or road versions, the car just performs. See how it feels to drive a winner.