LUCA MARINONI OSBORNE MAKES WESTBOURNE SWITCH

Luca Marinoni Osborne will return to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a third season in 2024 with a new team after being confirmed as part of Westbourne Motorsport’s three-car assault on the Cooper class.

Osborne joins the second-year team having scored a maiden podium finish in the series at Thruxton last year en-route to 15th in the championship standings, and aims to fight further up the order on a regular basis during the season ahead.

“I’m looking forward to to building on the strong relationship between myself and Westbourne that started over winter,” he said. “I know the team can produce fast drivers and provide amazing cars on a consistent basis, and my aim is to further progress as a driver and individual both on and off track.

“I have a feeling that the competition will be even tougher than last year, and I’ll still be giving it my all to fight at the front for podiums and more importantly, race wins. I’m eager to get started with Westbourne and grab some good results, but also have a good laugh!’

Osborne will line-up alongside Harry Hickton, who confirmed his return to the series for a second season last month, as well as Sam Gornall – who returns to Westbourne for a full campaign having joined the team in the latter stages of 2023.

“Having missed out on victory in the last race of 2023 I’m hungry to get a win at Snetterton,” he said ahead of the opening rounds this weekend. ” It’s a circuit I am confident at, and after the strong winter we have had, I am ready to get going.”

Team boss James Colburn said he was confident that Westbourne’s 2024 line-up would allow it to fight for top honours during the season ahead.

“We have a fantastic driver line-up this year that I have worked with closely over the winter and I am sure they can bring some phenomenal results this season,” he said. “All three have the ability to be championship contenders, and it’s our job to give them the car to be at the sharp end.

“Harry and Sam proved themselves as front runners with us last year and with everything we as a team learnt from our first season in MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, we are looking to be even stronger in 2024.

“Luca impressed me in 2023 and I am excited to be working with a young man who is dedicated and passionate about his development as a young racing driver.  Let’s go racing!”