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RML Industry News
Michael Mallock Confirms AM N24 for GT4
Issued January 20th 2008

Mallock in Aston Martin for GT4 European Cup

Talented sportscar racer Michael Mallock has been confirmed for a full season in the up-and-coming GT4 European Cup. He will contest the new FIA series at the wheel of an Aston Martin N24 entered and run by RS Williams Limited of Cobham, the celebrated Aston Martin specialists.

Michael Mallock has motorsport pulsing through his veins, having been born into the Mallock racing family a little over twenty-five years ago. The son of Ray Mallock, founder and Chief Executive of RML, Michael won his first single-seater race at Donington Park at the age of just 16. Since then a succession of podiums, victories and lap records have fallen his way, including the title of National Supersports Champion in 2000. Full seasons in the British GT Championship and FIA Sportscar series followed, as well as regular appearances in FIA GT (with two runs at the Spa 24 Hours) and numerous historic events, including Group C Revival and World Sportscars.

It was through his exploits in historic championships that Michael developed his close affinity and understanding of all things Aston Martin. Unbeaten in the Marsh Plant Aston Martin DB4 in 2005 and 2006, and with impressive results from the fabulous 1984 Aston Martin Nimrod, Mallock was a natural choice as driver for the RS Williams N24. “Our relationship with the Mallock family goes back a long time,” stated Richard Williams, Managing Director. “Having worked with Ray over the course of many years, it is a delight to think we will be working with his son Michael as we embark upon this exciting new project.”

The name of Richard Williams, and the company he founded, will always be associated with some of the most glorious days in Aston Martin’s motor racing history, and after a number of years away from direct involvement in the sport, the arrival of the GT4 Aston Martin N24 represented an opportunity that was simply too good to miss. “Motor racing is a bit of an addiction,” suggests Williams. “It gets deep into your blood, and sometimes it’s hard to shake it off. I’m just very pleased to be back, and I know it’s going to be great fun. That should be the whole goal in motorsport – enjoying yourself – that and winning of course!” One follows the other, and after masterminding many of Aston Martin’s successful forays into sportscar racing, particularly during the Group C era with such cars as the Ecurie Ecosse C2, with which they took the title in 1986, and the awesome AMR1, Richard Williams has first hand experience of both the winning and the enjoyment.

Richard will be taking personal responsibility for managing the RS Williams AM N24, and is confident in the knowledge that the car has already demonstrated its potential. The team took delivery of the car in September last year, and after a preliminary shake-down test had been carried out at Silverstone by Michael Mallock, the car made its competition debut at Donington Park on September 30th. It raced twice in one day, and won its class both times, including an outright victory that saw Mallock take the chequered flag nineteen seconds clear of the field after a twelve-lap race.

“This will be my first full season of racing since 2001,” said an enthusiastic Michael Mallock. “I can’t wait – it’s brilliant! It’s been a long period of picking up one-off drives here and there, so it’s fantastic to be given this opportunity to race a full season again, and with such a fantastic team. They certainly know their Astons! I think we’re in for a good year. The GT4 Cup is very competitive but we’ve had such excellent results in testing that I’d be very surprised if we’re not winning races and fighting hard for the title.”

The GT4 European Cup kicks off at Silverstone on April 20th, with further rounds at Monza (May), Oschersleben (July), Spa (August), Brno, and Nogaro (both September). Each weekend will comprise two one-driver races of approximately 25 minutes each, and then a two-driver race of about an hour. Michael Mallock will be doing all races solo.

For further information:
Richard Williams: 01932 868377 (astons@rswilliams.co.uk ) or
Michael Mallock: 07979 695371 (michaelm@rmlmallock.com)

High resolution images are available here.

For further information on the FIA GT4 European Cup, please visit the official website: www.gt4cup.com