Buckinghamshire-based endurance specialists Moore Racing has become the latest team to commit to running a Dodge Viper in next year's Avon Tyres British GT Championship, signing up to compete in the expanding GT3 class with the US supercar.

The team will run the experienced Britcar pairing of Mike Gardiner and Paul Fenton in the car, and says that it will be targeting reliability and consistency in its first season in GT racing.

"With a change of focus to GT3 expected in British GTs, and a large number of new cars, reliability and consistency - as well as outright speed - will be key to achieving a strong season's performance," team founder Richard Moore explained, "As a team, Moore Racing has learnt an awful lot about running reliable cars in Britcar and 24-hour races both in Europe and the UK. We believe that experience will pay off over the 14-race calendar.

The decision to run the Viper in 2007 pits Moore Racing in direct competition with 2006 series frontrunner Team RPM, which has already committed to running a brace of the American-built machines.

"Currently the Viper carries 100kg of ballast and a ride height penalty for success in the FIA series, but the ability to apply for these to be removed if the car is not as competitive as expected allows us to control costs," Moore reasoned, "Not having to invest in annual upgrade packages that other manufacturers use makes the Viper a highly attractive proposition over a number of seasons.

"The car is currently being prepared by ORECA and will be delivered in January. This will allow the team plenty of time to learn the car and conduct an extensive set of tests including tyre development work with Avon. This should ensure we are fully prepared for the upcoming season."

Gardiner admitted that the chance to step up to the British GT series after several campaigns in Britcar was enticing.

"It's great to enter the championship with the new GT3 class really taking off," he said, "The Viper has raced successfully in European GT3 and offers a competitive package at a reasonable price. The Moore Racing team has proven itself in Britcar and Paul Fenton and I are a well-matched driver pairing. We have all the ingredients for a successful year.

Fenton, meanwhile, is looking forward to driving the latest version of one of his favourite cars.

"The opportunity to step up to a full season in British GT in such an iconic car as the Viper is a great opportunity," he admitted, "It was trips as a spectator to Le Mans that first got me into racing, and the ORECA GT1 Vipers are one of the enduring memories of a few years ago, so the chance to drive one is fantastic."

Although the team will start the year with one car, Moore admitted that he would be open to talks with parties interested in running a second entry next season.

"We currently have an option on a second Viper and, subject to discussions with suitably experienced and funded drivers, we hope to boost our attack with a second car," he confirmed.