Continuity, it is often pointed out in motorsport, is a key ingredient to success, and Virgo Motorsport intends to prove the point next season at it attempts to repeat its success in the Le Mans Series.

GT2 class champion Rob Bell has re-signed to drive the team's Ferrari 430 GT2 in both the LMS and at the 24 Hours in June, with the support of Dunlop, ensuring a solid base for Virgo to build upon. The 26-year old enjoyed an outstanding season in 2007, finishing on the podium at every LMS race as he claimed three wins, two seconds and a third from six races.

“I have had a great season of racing with Virgo Motorsport and I am delighted to have been offered the chance to continue with the team in 2008," Bell said, "We've built up a strong relationship which has brought us both success, and I'm pleased to be returning to the Le Mans Series with the team next year. I'm ready to defend my title with the team, and I'm looking forward to expanding to include the Le Mans 24 Hours.

“As defending champion of the Le Mans Series, I don't underestimate how tough it will be - in fact, it will be tougher as everyone wants to dethrone me and I'll be a target for the GT2 entrants. That's a great challenge to have, though.

"Returning to Le Mans for another crack at the top honours is also an opportunity I'm relishing. I raced there this year for the first time and I've definitely got the bug. It's one of those events that gets under your skin and I can see it becoming a bit of an addiction!"

Utilised by other teams around his LMS commitments this season, Bell insists his focus will be on the team's title defence in 2008.

“My priority will be racing with Virgo Motorsport, a highly professional team, alongside fellow top-class racers, which will put me in the best position possible to retain the Le Mans Series title," he confirmed, "With the support of Dunlop and Michelotto, we are ready to take up the fight and battle through an exciting 2008, anticipating a hotly contested GT2 class.”

Virgo Motorsport has confirmed its intention to defend the LMS GT2 crown, as well as taking up its entry invitation for the 24 Hours that was offered as reward for its success.

“Le Mans will be another challenge for the team, one that we have been working towards over the past seasons," team manager Chris Warne noted, "We will be going there with an eye on winning the GT2 class but, at the same time, we do appreciate that is a huge task.”

“We are delighted to confirm that Rob is continuing with us in 2008, as he has contributed enormously to the success of the team. As well as being a team player, he is an outstandingly talented driver. He scored more individual points than any other driver in the LMS championship and contributed to the team scoring more points than any other too.

“We are well aware that, as champions, the task will not be made easy by the opposition but, with the continued support of Dunlop - with whom we are again GT2 technical partners - and Michelotto, we believe that we are in the best position to try and retain our title."