Nissan Motor Company has announced that the 2015 European GT Academy Winner Romain Sarazin (France) and 2015 International GT Academy Winner Matthew Simmons (Australia) will be participating in the widely anticipated annual Blancpain Endurance Series. They will be driving a Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, representing as members of the GT Academy Team RJN.

Matt Simmons and 2015 Asian GT Academy Winner Joward Policarpio (Philippines) were set to race in the Dubai 24 Hour race in January 2016, their prize for winning Nissan PlayStation® GT Academy. The rigorous Driver Development Programme (DDP) required to prepare for the Dubai 24 Hour race highlighted an issue with Joward’s health. Tests from an FIA doctor, appointed by Nissan, confirmed an on-going medical condition that prevented Joward from racing. It was important for Joward to focus on his well-being so he withdrew from the DDP whilst Nissan Philippines support Joward in his recovery. This led to a review of options for Matt Simmons to go racing in 2016 and due to the promise he had shown throughout his DDP it was decided to enter Matt into the more competitive Blancpain Endurance Series in a Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 for a full season of racing with Nissan PlayStation® GT Academy Team RJN.

2016 BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES CALENDAR

Pre-Season Test: Paul Ricard (France), 8-10 March 2016
Round 1: Monza (Italy), 23-24 April 2016
Round 2: Silverstone (UK), 14-15 May 2016
Round 3: Paul Ricard (France), 24-25 June 2016
Official Test Day: Spa Francorchamps (Belgium), 5 July 2016
Round 4: 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps (Belgium), 28-31 July 2016
Round 5: Nürburgring (Germany), 17-18 September 2016

Matt is joined by Romain Sarazin, who won a full season in the Blancpain Endurance Series for winning the Nissan PlayStation® GT Academy European competition held in Abu Dhabi in October 2015.