As previously reported by Motorsport.com, ex-Formula 2 racer Alesi is set to share Team Thailand’s Lexus RC F GT3 with Sean Walkinshaw, on top of contesting the Super Formula Lights season with the Toyota-affiliated TOM’S team.
However, the entry list revealed by SUPER GT on Thursday named Walkinshaw and Thai racer Nattapong Hortongkum as the team’s full-time drivers for the 2021 campaign.
When reached for comment by Motorsport.com, a representative from Team Thailand clarified that Alesi has been signed as the team’s third driver.
The representative added that ongoing travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic mean that Hortongkum is unlikely to make it to Japan for the start of the new season, and could potentially face another whole year on the sidelines.
#35 Arto Panther Team Thailand Lexus RC F GT3: Nattapong Horthongkum, Sean Walkinshaw
Photo by: Masahide Kamio
Alesi is therefore set to partner Walkinshaw for pre-season testing and, at least, the first part of the new season, which begins at Okayama in April.
However, the Frenchman did not take part in Team Thailand's private test at Fuji Speedway earlier this month as he didn't arrive in Japan in time to serve his quarantine.
Travel woes meant Hortongkum ultimately had to skip the entire 2020 season, having initially been named as Walkinshaw’s full-season teammate.
British driver and 2018 GT300 runner-up Walkinshaw himself was only able to contest the final three rounds of the season due to travel restrictions.
Former Rebellion Racing LMP1 driver Mathias Beche partnered Walkinshaw for those races, the pair scoring a best finish of 19th at Suzuka.
