Sebastian Priaulx will make his long-awaited return to competitive race action this week as he reunites with Multimatic Motorsports for the next round of the 2020 Michelin Pilot Challenge at Sebring International Raceway (16/17 July).
The season began back in January with the opening round at Daytona International Speedway, before it was postponed due to restrictions put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a long wait, the action returns this week at one of the most iconic endurance racing venues in the world.
Priaulx, who kept race sharp during the break with a busy sim racing schedule including the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, will be racing at Sebring for the first time. The Florida circuit presents a unique challenge, having become infamous for its rough and unforgiving bumpy track surface.
The 19 year old has got up to speed with the circuit courtesy of countless hours of practice on his simulator and some guidance from his father Andy, himself a multiple class podium-finisher and race-winner in the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race.
Priaulx will also benefit from the experience of his team-mate Scott Maxwell, with the duo reuniting for the first time since being crowned as GT4 vice-champions following a fantastic season together in the 2019 British GT Championship.
Sebastian Priaulx: “It feels so good to be going racing again. While the sim racing has been great fun in recent months, it’s no substitute for the real thing and I’m so excited to head out on track and have that feeling of pushing our Ford Mustang GT4 to the limit again.
“While we’ve been out of action for a few months, I know the team and the car well so I’m confident we’ll be hitting the ground running and challenging at the front this week. Sebring is a new circuit to me and one that I can’t wait to race on for the first time.
“I must say a massive thank you to Multimatic Motorsports and my loyal partners Ravenscroft and Plus Interiors for staying committed to me in the current climate and giving me the chance to race. I’m determined to go out there and enjoy some success with them.”
The ‘Advent Health 120’ two-hour race for the Michelin Pilot Challenge on Friday starts at 14:30 Eastern Time / 19:30 British Summer Time. The action can be watched globally at www.IMSA.tv.