Ford Performance has announced that Dennis Olsen, a 25-year-old Norwegian racing driver, will join its GT3 team as a factory driver for the 2024 season. Olsen, who has won multiple championships and races in various GT categories, will be the lead driver for the new Ford GT3, which is based on the iconic Ford GT supercar.
What is a factory driver?
A factory driver is a professional racing driver who is employed by a car manufacturer to compete in various motorsport events. Factory drivers are usually the best in their field, and they have access to the latest technology and support from the manufacturer. Factory drivers also represent the brand and its values, and they often participate in promotional activities and customer events.
Why did Ford choose Olsen?
Ford chose Olsen as its new GT3 factory driver because of his impressive track record and his passion for racing. Olsen started his karting career, quickly moving up the ranks in single-seater and GT racing. He has won the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, the Porsche Supercup, and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. He has also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Olsen has proven his skills and versatility in different cars and circuits and has shown his ability to work well with different teams and partners. He has also demonstrated his leadership and communication skills, which are essential for a factory driver. Olsen is excited to join Ford and to drive the new Ford GT3, which he described as “a dream come true.”
What is the Ford GT3?
The Ford GT3 is a new racing car that Ford Performance developed for the GT3 category, which is one of the most popular and competitive classes in global motorsport. The GT3 category allows various car manufacturers to compete, using cars based on road-going models but modified for racing. The GT3 category features some of the world's most prestigious and challenging races, such as the 24 Hours of Spa, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the Daytona 24 Hours.
The Ford GT3 is based on the Ford GT, a mid-engine supercar that Ford launched in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 647 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. The Ford GT has a carbon fiber chassis and body, and it features an active aerodynamics system that adjusts the rear wing and the ride height according to the driving conditions.
The Ford GT3 is a modified version of the Ford GT that meets the GT3 regulations and specifications. The Ford GT3 has a lower and wider body, a larger rear wing, a front splitter, and a rear diffuser. The Ford GT3 also has a revised suspension, brakes, tires, and wheels. The Ford GT3 retains the same engine as the Ford GT but has a different transmission, cooling system, and exhaust system. The Ford GT3 also has a reduced weight, a lower center of gravity, and a better balance.
The Ford GT3 is designed to be competitive, reliable, and easy to maintain. The Ford GT3 is also designed to be accessible and affordable for private teams and customers who want to race with Ford. The Ford GT3 will be available for sale in late 2023, costing around $500,000. The Ford GT3 will make its racing debut in early 2024 and compete in various GT3 championships and events worldwide.
What are the goals and expectations for Ford and Olsen?
Ford and Olsen have high goals and expectations for the 2024 season and beyond. Ford wants to showcase its performance and innovation and challenge its rivals in the GT3 category. Ford also wants to expand its presence and fan base in the global motorsport scene and to attract new customers and partners. Ford hopes that the Ford GT3 will be a successful and iconic racing car, just like the Ford GT40 and the Ford GT were in the past.
Olsen wants to prove himself as a Ford factory driver and to win races and championships with the Ford GT3. Olsen also wants to learn from his teammates and engineers and contribute to the development and improvement of the Ford GT3. Olsen hopes that his partnership with Ford will be a long and fruitful one, and that he will be able to achieve his personal and professional goals.
Ford and Olsen are confident and optimistic about their collaboration and look forward to the start of the 2024 season. They believe that they have a strong and competitive package and that they can achieve great results together. They are also eager to share their passion and excitement with the fans and the media and to make Ford proud.
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