Van der Drift to make Blancpain GT Asia start

Chris van der Drift will make a first Blancpain GT Series Asia start with Craft Bamboo Racing in Thailand this month.

Van der Drift will pair up with Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi in a Porsche 911 GT3 R for Round 2 of the series at the Buriram United International Circuit on May 19-21.

The drive comes amid a full-time return to Carrera Cup Asia, which the New Zealander won in 2015, with results of fourth and third in the opening two races of the season in Shanghai last month.

Van der Drift ran a varied racing program in 2016, including a Supercars debut with Erebus Motorsport in the Pirtek Enduro Cup, but gained experience with the 911 GT3 R having raced an example of the German machine in ADAC GT Masters.

“I’d like to thank Craft Bamboo Racing for giving me the opportunity to race with the team,” said the 31-year-old.

“It is my first time driving for the team but I know them well. They know the Porsche well after running them last year in the GT Asia Series, so that is a positive knowing that they know the car.

“I also know the Porsche myself, so that’s handy and I am really looking forward to getting to Buriram.”