VIDEO: LEXUS RC F GT3 TO COMPETE IN 2016

Lexus has announced it will go racing full-time in 2016 with the GT3-version of its RC F sports coupe as part of a tie-in with American team owner Paul Gentilozzi. The new squad – F Performance Racing – will compete in an as-of-yet to be announced sports car series.

The Japanese marque’s return to racing has been on the cards since the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, and has been referred to as a ‘must do’ challenge for F Performance Racing. The racing campaign has been designed to help strengthen Lexus’ F brand performance, development gleaned from the GT3 likely to be used in the roadcar division.

Five-time Daytona 24 Hours winner Scott Pruett has been confirmed as the team’s driver for 2016, with plans for a multi-car entry in 2017/2018. As well as existing ties with Gentilozzi (the pair previously won the GTS class at Daytona in 2002), Pruett also competed with a Lexus-powered prototypes in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Championship from 2004 to 2007, a series in which he took five driver’s titles. The American was also heavily involved with development of Lexus IS F and LFA supercar.