Corvette Racing has re-affirmed its plans to continue with its GT1 programme into the start of the 2009 season, despite reports suggesting otherwise.

Reports during the past week suggested that the factory team wouldn't compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours as Corvette's focus turns to developments of the new GT2 machine that is set to debut in the second half of the 2009 American Le Mans Series season in preparation for the new GT class rules that come into play for 2010.

However, programme manager Doug Fehan insists that nothing has changed regarding the first-half of 2009, with the GT1 Corvette C6.R set to continue in selected ALMS events early in the year before the team heads to France to chase another Le Mans 24 Hours victory.

"The primary focus of the race team is the 12 Hours of Sebring, Long Beach and, of course as it always has been, the 24 Hours of Le Mans," he said. "We tested the GT1 car at Sebring in November, and we will be utilising Sebring and Long Beach to put the final touches on the Le Mans effort.

“We're continuously developing the car and package for fuel mileage, efficiency and new materials from our various suppliers. We want our last GT1 appearance at Le Mans to be successful. The team understands the importance of a victory at Sebring, Long Beach and Le Mans to close the GT1 programme."

Fehan added that the GT2 Corvette remains on schedule to debut at Mid-Ohio in early August.

"Engineering and fabrication continues to focus on the GT2 programme," he said. "We expect the first actual race car to be completed in early February and will be testing that car in the spring."