Elite Motorsport and Josh Rattican will have a chance of making history this year as they bid to become the first team and driver ever to defend the GT4 European Series powered by RAFA Racing Club title.
Rattican will return with the British team, sharing its McLaren Artura GT4 with series newcomer McKenzy Cresswell this season.
Last season Elite proved unstoppable, lifting the Silver Teams’ championship, while Rattican celebrated two race wins and five podium finishes on his way to the Drivers’ title, then paired with Tom Lebbon.
Now McLaren Graduate Driver Rattican, 21, will be partnered by single-seater graduate Cresswell, 19, who will make his GT4 Europe debut after an impressive pre-season campaign with Elite.
Cresswell began his career in karting before moving into formula racing and finishing third in the 2021 GB4 Championship in the UK. He then became a multiple race-winner in GB3 with Elite, and also made his FIA Formula 3 debut. Cresswell switched to GT racing in January and dominated the GT4 Winter Series, taking four wins from the nine races – two of them alongside Rattican – to seal the title at his first attempt.
Should Elite and Rattican manage to defend their titles this year, they would also become the first team and driver to win the Silver championship twice since the championship established its current format in 2017.
Elite Motorsport head Eddie Ives says: “I’m really pleased to finally announce Josh and McKenzy are combining in GT4 Europe to try our best to defend our titles from 2024.
“Josh is super talented and did a fantastic job last year. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to secure a full-time GT3 drive which he deserved, so I pounced on the opportunity of having him back with us for another GT4 season.
“McKenzy was very impressive adapting to the McLaren Artura and learnt lots over the GT4 Winter Series. He is also a super-fast driver and the pair worked extremely well together earlier this year.”
Elite had intended to run a two-car team as it did in 2024, but circumstances did not allow that for round one. However, the team is pushing to get a second Artura on the grid in the future.
Ives adds: “It’s a shame we aren’t back in the series with two cars, but unfortunately deals fell through late on with our second car. We’re hopeful a second McLaren may still join for selected events.”