Garry Findlay’s performance in the 2013 season-ending VdeV sportscar series event at Estoril has led to his first full campaign for several years, after CD Sport signed him to its four-car squad for 2014.

Although Findlay was denied the chance to fight for a podium finish in Portugal, he produced a battling performance in adversity. Despite climbing aboard with the CD mechanics still clearing gravel from a team-mate’s earlier incident, the Briton was able to press on and, despite running on old tyres, consistently recorded the fastest laps of those on track at the time.

That performance, and his positive attitude in difficult circumstances, ultimately helped Findlay clinch a deal to rejoin the Pau-based team for 2014, achieving his goal for the Estoril weekend.

“I went to Portugal hoping to impress a few people and secure something for this year, so it worked out from that point of view,” the Suffolk resident confirmed, “Sportscar racing is where my future lies, and it was important to get back into a full-time seat, so I’m obviously very happy that CD Sport has decided to include me in its plans for 2014. The team clearly has the pedigree to help me make my mark in the VdeV and I’d like to thank them for the opportunity to join them this year.”

Although Findlay has yet to find out the identity of his team-mates, and which of the team’s four cars he will be sharing with them, he is clearly excited by the prospect of having his season mapped out after several years of bit-part roles. Having made his name in Formula Ford, where he finished as runner-up in the 2008 Scholarship Class and third overall in the 2009 championship, attempts to move up the ladder stalled due a lack of finance, although Finlay remained in demand as a test and development driver.

The move towards sportscars began with some impressive – if unrewarded – outings with British squad G-Cat Racing, before the late deal to join CD Sport for the season finale paid dividends. The 2014 VdeV campaign begins in Barcelona at the end of March, and stretches over seven rounds – which last a duration of three, six or nine hours - before ending back at Estoril in November.

“It is nice to know that I have a full year of racing ahead of me – it’s be a long time since I had that,” Findlay admitted, “I know what CD is capable of, having won the VdeV title over the past few years, so it’s up to me to make the most of the opportunity. I’d like to think that I can make a career in sportscar racing, and this is the first step towards that goal.”