Riccardo Patrese in the Spa 24 Hours

The Honda NSX GT3 line-up has been finalized for the 24 Hours of Spa from July 26-29.

Honda drivers Bertrand Baguette and Esteban Guerrieri will be joined by Riccardo Patrese, as we mentioned in AUTO issue 2173hebdo. The 64-year-old Italian, six-time Grand Prix winner and author of 37 podiums, notably finished vice-world champion in 1992 with Williams and also won the Spa 1000km in 1985.

“Spa-Francorchamps has been one of my favorite circuits for a very long time even though I haven’t driven there for 25 years, admits Riccardo Patrese. So I couldn't say no when I was asked to join Castrol Honda Racing and drive a car as exciting as the NSX GT3. The car handles very well, whether in high-speed or slower-speed sectors. I haven't spent much time behind the wheel and I have to relearn things every time I do another lap, but I'm looking forward to racing. »

The crew will be completed by Loïc Depailler, a second Bronze driver being mandatory for the Honda NSX GT3 to be admitted to the Pro-Am category.

“I am delighted to be able to compete in the 24 Hours of Spa for the first time and to do so with a model as famous as the NSX, comments the deputy editor-in-chief of Top Gear France. We are currently in the most competitive period in GT and the entry list for Spa is proof of the quality and importance of the field. The Pro-Am category features many top drivers and teams that are among the best. Esteban has been testing the car since the start of the year and Bertrand is one of the fastest drivers in Super GT. Added to Riccardo's experience, I'm sure I can learn from them and find new limits with the car. »

If the Honda NSX GT3 will make its debut in the Blancpain GT Series, it has been successfully competing in the GTD category since 2017.IMSA and in the Pirelli World Challenge as well as in Europe with the ADAC GT Masters with the Schubert Motorsport team.