Ex-Formula 1 driver Will Stevens will continue to race in the Blancpain GT Series' Sprint and Endurance Cups in 2017 with the Audi WRT team.
Stevens moved into Blancpain last year with Audi WRT after spending a full season in F1 with the now-defunct Manor team, and also made a handful of appearances in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Manor and G-Drive.
Stevens scored three podium finishes in Blancpain last year, and will continue for a second season with Audi WRT, racing alongside Markus Winkelhock, Marcel Fassler and Dries Vanthoor in the Endurance Cup in an Audi R8 LMS.
Despite having offers to race full-time in the WEC this year, Stevens has opted to prioritise his commitments in Blancpain, and was pleased to confirm his plans on Thursday.
"I’m very pleased to be continuing my relationship with Belgian Audi Club Team WRT and to be racing the Audi R8 LMS again," Stevens said.
"I’ve made the decision to prioritise GT racing and specifically the two Blancpain Series’ this year. Both will be incredibly competitive again in 2017 but I’m really looking forward to the challenge. The racing will be extremely close and it requires full focus to be successful.
"I had several very good opportunities to also continue my career in the WEC but there are a couple of date clashes. For my career in the long term, I believe it’s best I concentrate on the Blancpain campaigns although I’d love to return to Le Mans which would fit in with this year’s Blancpain calendar.
"The experience I gained in my first GT3/LMP season and driving alongside René [Rast], will also serve me well this season. I’m delighted to have Markus, Marcel and Dries as co-drivers in order that we can challenge for race victories and be in contention for championship title success.”
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