Top contender Dino Zamparelli takes up 2017 challenge with JTR
Dino Zamparelli is returning to join an all-star cast competing for top honours in the 15th season of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. The former GP3 racer came second in the 2016 title race and will resume his challenge in 2017 with JTR.
Zamparelli is joining as part of a planned three car entry for the team, led by Porsche Team LMP1 factory driver and 2015 Le Mans winner Nick Tandy. In 2016, Zamparelli pushed eventual champion Dan Cammish hard for the first half of the season, securing three wins and seven podium finishes as he closed to within three points of the championship lead.
Moving to JTR represents a renewed focus on the 2017 title for Zamparelli: “I'm really excited to be joining JTR for 2017. Nick obviously needs no introduction, and his depth of knowledge in Porsches, and specifically in a Carrera Cup car, is so invaluable. Having him as the team mentor and leader is so important; he's a winner and we want to go and win in 2017. I like the fact that the team will be coming in with a fresh approach and together with my knowledge, we can look to build some big success together.
"I want to thank my lead sponsors Disc Manufacturing Services and Bristol Sport for their support in 2017, as without them I wouldn't be able to get on the grid. I can't wait for the year ahead and I'm excited to resume my battle for overall honours. I'm ready to go!"
For Tandy, having Zamparelli as part of the team’s debut Porsche season and as one of potentially three Pro category drivers, puts them in a very strong position: “I’ve known Dino for a while and I spent some time coaching him a few years ago. He has a great pedigree in motorsport and we saw a lot of success when we worked together before. When we announced the move into Porsches, Dino approached us and we were very keen to talk to him.
“Dino is a multiple Porsche Carrera Cup GB race winner and brings so many of the elements we would want from a driver within the team. His knowledge and experience from the past two seasons will add to our strength.”
Multiple single-seater champions JTR began the transition into sports car racing and the Porsche Carrera Cup GB with a number of successful tests towards the end of 2016. JTR will line up for the first official test of 2017 at the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Media Day on 13 March 2017.
