Chad Racing has confirmed the signing of Argentine driver Jose Manuel Balbiani for two rounds of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship season.

With Paul Warren unable to compete at Knockhill due to other commitments and Chris Warren away on holiday for the rescheduled Donington Park event, Balbiani will now come into the team for those two events – giving the team the opportunity to work with a professional driver in its line-up.

Balbiani arrives in British GT having taken the Ferrari Manufacturers' Cup in the GT3 European Championship with Kessel Racing and he said he was looking forward to the chance to contest the two race weekends.

“I've raced in the UK twice at Silverstone in FIA GT3 and I've actually been to Knockhill as a tourist when me and my wife were going around Scotland,” Balbiani said. “I took part in a rally experience there and won Driver of the Day – although that was on the gravel track outside…

“I'm looking forward to racing with Chris as I know him from last year when we were together in the Kessel Racing team. He is a very good and consistent driver, and I'm sure that if we can set the Ferrari up to be constant from the first lap to the last, that we will be on the podium. There is also a very high level in British GT, probably more than in Europe because of the number of cars, and the balance of performance is much easier to apply.

“Watching from outside, Knockhill seems to be a perfect track for tiny cars like the 430, the Gallardo or the Ascari, but once the bigger ones gets traction in the straight, you need to open your doors to stop them trying to overtake you.

“I'm very glad to be racing in Britain. All the circuits are full of the history of motor racing and to be there in a Ferrari is quite something. I have to thank Piers [Masarati – team manager], Chris and Paul for giving me this chance and I'll do my best on my debut.”