Ben Keating: “Sebring is unlike any other circuit”

Ben Keating begins his adventure with Corvette. The 51-year-old Texan, reigning GTE Am champion with Aston Martin will put his title back on the line in the category which alone represents GTE from now on. A dream for this American dealer and distinguished Bronze pilot.

« I've said many times how excited I am, as an American, to drive for an American team in an American brand, and I'm excited to race in a brand that I sell, says Ben Keating. Not only will we be racing this American brand with an American team around the world, but the first race will be in the United States, which is special. There is only one race in the United States for the World Endurance Championship, and it is clear that we want to perform well on our home soil. As a team, Corvette Racing has done thousands of laps in this country over the last 25 years, so I expect the team, car, drivers and everyone to be well tuned and ready for this race. » 

Despite all his experience, the Texan must apprehend his new mount that he only discovered last November. « My first laps behind the wheel of the Corvette took place during the Rookie Test of WEC in Bahrain, and the car was different enough that I figured I still had a lot to learn. Then we did the Sebring test and it was a totally different experience. I then thought: “Wow…this is a really special car.” Not only is it special from my perspective as a driver, but the level of performance at Sebring is impressive. Sebring is unlike any other circuit in the world – very flat, very bumpy and very different from a typical FIA circuit that we frequent in the WEC. That is not the case here ; it's a historic old track and the Corvette performed incredibly well during this test. This allowed me to set the bar very high for the race. It handles bumps very well and is very comfortable to drive. I don't know if there is an easy car to drive at Sebring because it's a very physical circuit. It puts you to the test a little. But the Corvette is such a joy to drive, and it's easy on the driver. »

To defend his title at stake as well as that acquired in 24 Hours of Le Mans 2022, Ben Keating will be associated with Nicky Catsburg and Nicolás Varrone. « It's also the first race I'm doing with Nico and Nicky. I'm very excited about my teammates. We all got along very well. There is no ego. No one is trying to prove what they can do as an individual. It's a great feeling to be good teammates – not just for this race, but for the entire World Endurance Championship. I couldn't imagine having a better group of teammates heading into the season, and I'm very excited to race with them. » A team that is a huge favorite for this season.

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