Bentley Continental GT3 Confirmed for GT Open

Fans of both Bentley and the GT Open can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s confirmed that the Bentley Continental GT3 will participate in the Pro class this year. There may be a second new Continental in the Pro-Am class through the Junior Team Bentley program as well, but the details there are being worked out.

An Exciting Entry

The Bentley Continental GT3 will be entered by an Italian racing outfit, Petri Corse. It’s the first entry for the 2018-spec Continental GT3 in the International GT Open. The team is close to Florence. The driver lineup remains a mystery, but should be revealed soon.

Team principal Simone Petri mentioned how much the team enjoyed the GT Open two years prior. He told Sports Car 365, “Not only is it one of the most competitive and high-level GT3 series in Europe, but also one of the friendliest and better organized ones.”

Will There Be a Second?

Details are still coming out about that second entry being worked out. The Junior Team Bentley program is going strong and has ample support from the British maker. It remains to be seen whether this would be a new Continental such as a 2019-spec Gen 2 Continental GT3 or an entry from a prior generation.

The Next Generation

The new generation of Continental GT3 offers many advantages over the previous generation, including a lighter frame and a more aerodynamic body. The first gen GT3 remains something of a legend. It was unveiled at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed and saw its first full season in 2014. It immediately won the 3 Hours of Silverstone and 3 Hours of Paul Ricard. By late 2017, it accrued its first 500 races, earning 120 podiums and 45 wins.

Bentley doesn’t stay satisfied with success, however. The new Continental finds itself breaking ground to constantly stay ahead of the curve and keep its competition in the rear-view mirror.