APEX Motorsport to develop Jaguar XKR for FIA GT3

Richard Lloyd’s Apex Motorsport announces today that it will develop Jaguar’s new XKR Coupe for use in the FIA GT3 Euro Series from 2007.

Apex, whose recent successes include winning Le Mans in 2003 with Bentley, is being relaunched with this exciting project. The team now includes Lloyd's new partner Harry Handkammer, a long time friend and top Britcar racer.

‘‘It was obvious to us that the Jaguar name was missing from the list of GT3 contenders, and we aim to put that right,” said Lloyd. “We believe the new XK has huge potential, and we plan to have at least the required six race cars ready for the first event in the 2007 season.” Development of the aluminium bodied, supercharged V8 engined Jaguar will commence immediately at Apex’s Buckingham race shop.

The Apex race activities are independent of Jaguar – this is not a factory motorsport programme – but in accordance with FIA GT rules Apex has the premium brand's blessing to compete.

Stuart Dyble, Jaguar Board Director and Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Premier Automotive Group and Ford of Europe, said, “We welcome this initiative which will result in production Jaguar sportscars being seen once again on race circuits across Europe. We are just launching the all new Jaguar XKR road car and GT3 is the natural race series in which to compete. We wish Apex every success.”

Stephane Ratel, Chairman of GT3 European Championship organising company SRO Motorsports, welcomed Jaguar to the burgeoning FIA GT3 grid, saying, “Jaguars in GT3 will further strengthen the appeal and excitement of the series, and we very much look forward to seeing them in the paddock and on the track.”

Lloyd and Handkammer would be happy to hear from anyone interested in campaigning this new GT3 championship contender next season.