Kent based Team HARD have announced that Northern Irish drivers Robert Barrable and Wilson Thompson will be taking to the wheel of the second Team HARD Ginetta G55 in the British GT this season.

Former Ireland FF1600 Champion Robert Barrable who raced for Team HARD in select rounds the VW Cup in 2015, picking up two podiums along the way, is looking forward to the challenge of British GT.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Tony again and taking on the British GT. I’m hoping we can get straight into the thick of it and perform consistently.”

“Sharing a car with another driver is a new challenge for me and the length of each race will take some getting used to as well but I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great season.”

Driving alongside Barrable is 17-year-old Wilson Thompson who already has some experience with a Ginetta having raced in the Ginetta Junior Ireland Championship in 2014 where he picked up podiums in 11 of the 12 races.

Last year he competed in the Northern Ireland FF1600 Championship picking up a number of podiums and points.

This year is going to prove an exciting year for the driver from Hillsborough, Northern Ireland. He said: “It’s going to be an exciting year for me with a new car, new team, new championship, and tracks I have never raced on before.”

“I think this year is going to be one of the best ever for British GT with an oversubscribed grid full of both experience and excellent talent.”

“I want to continue getting on the podium at each race and I’m eager to learn something every time I get in the car; while racing hard but fair. To say I am looking forward to the challenge is an understatement.”

This is the second Team HARD Ginetta G55 to be racing in the British GT, an exciting prospect for the team’s first year in the series.

Team boss Tony Gilham said: “It’s brilliant to have two cars representing the team during our first year in the British GT. We’re aiming to be real contenders in our class and we’ve got the drivers that can help us achieve that.”

“I’m excited to continue working with Robert after his stand out performances for the team last year in the VW Cup. Robert has exceptional ability and the outright pace is there so will be very interesting to see his progression in to GT racing.”

“Likewise there is a lot of excitement surrounding Wilson and his potential behind the wheel of the Ginetta and how far we can take him in his racing career. A star of the future for sure.”