Iberian Supercar Endurance debutants, Batina Racing, have secured one BMW M4 GT4 (F82) for the upcoming campaign with Portuguese driver Orlando Batina.
The Aveiro driver has competed regularly in one-make series, including the KIA Picanto Cup and Civic Atomic Cup, but he has long expressed interest in moving through the ranks.
"Last year I was very close to participating in the Supercars Endurance and in the Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade by Hankook, but I couldn't secure the project and had to opt for a fallback solution. Yet since it is the most significant competition in our nation and has the most stunning cars, which is significant for the drivers and the general audience, this was my aim. It's the highest one can achieve in the Iberian Peninsula, thus I believe it's the right course of action for any young driver like me,” said Orlando Batina.
The Portuguese youngster will be driving a Batina Racing-entered BMW M4 GT4 (F82), which will receive technical assistance from Bastos Sport.
"I've never competed with such a powerful car and, therefore, I'm aware that I will have to adapt to a very strong squad, as I did last season. Besides, the BMW is new car for me and for the whole team, while our opponents already have a lot of experience. I will work hard to give the best throughout the season, but without setting ambitious goals, we will evolve step by step,” pointed out the driver that will reveal his teammates later on.
Diogo Ferrão, CEO of the Iberian Supercar Endurance promoter Race Ready, added: "It is a pleasure to welcome Orlando, who I hope will be very successful in our series. Welcoming a young driver, who has a long career ahead of him, is a pleasure and shows that it is not a 'pipe dream' for those who wish to progress in their sporting career. It's always good to have new blood on the grid and to have a different car, as is the case of Orlando's BMW M4 GT4".
The Iberian Supercars Endurance season kicks on May 6-7 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
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