After almost two decades, Nissan returns to FIA Championship racing with GT-Rs from Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team.
Nissan/NISMO revealed its new racecars at the FIA’s official launch of its 2010 GT1 World Championship season at the Automobile Club de France in Paris.
“We are very excited about NISSAN returning to a world championship series after nearly 20 years away. The FIA GT1 World Championship is an ideal venue for us to showcase technology globally through the participation of our iconic NISSAN GT-R. Our partner teams, Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team are also excited about racing the NISSAN GT-R at circuits around the world. We are looking forward to the inaugural race in Abu Dhabi in April,” said NISMO President and NISSAN Motor’s Global Motorsports Program Director, Yuichi Sanada
FIA’s press conference was followed by the unveiling of the 2010 racecars on the Place Vendome, located in the heart of Paris. Machines from each of the twelve competing teams were uncovered one by one, including the #23 Sumo Power GT-entered NISSAN GT-R and the similar #3 entry from Swiss Racing Team. Drivers Peter Dumbreck (Scotland) and Michael Krumm (Germany) from the #23 Sumo Power GT entry were on hand along with multiple FIA GT race-winner Karl Wendlinger, who will drive one of the Swiss Racing Team-entered NISSAN GT-Rs.
“I have been racing in the FIA GT Championship for many years, but now I’m very excited about the new world championship – and very happy to be driving a NISSAN GT-R,” said Wendlinger.
Both teams have taken part in pre-season testing: Sumo Power GT at the FIA official test at France’s Paul Ricard and also conducting a private test in Spain while the Swiss Racing Team has been to two FIA official tests, at the Algarve Circuit and at Paul Ricard. Drivers for the #22 Sumo Power GT and #4 Swiss Racing Team entries will be announced shortly. The four competing NISSAN GT-Rs will be at the season-opener at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on April 17th. The inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship then goes on to another nine countries.
For more information about the 2010 Nissan GT-R, please visit http://www.nissanusa.com/
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