Bentley’s new Continental GT3 will be present in International GT Open this year, with at least one car entered by Italian outfit Petri Corse.

The team, which is based near Florence, has confirmed one car entered in the Pro class with a driver lineup set to be revealed in the next few days.

It is the first entry for the 2018-spec Continental GT3 in GT Open, while Team Parker Racing did enter its previous-gen car at Silverstone last season.

Petri Corse is also working to enter a second car in Pro-Am, but this could either be a second 2019-spec Gen 2 Continental GT3 or a previous-gen variant.

Its entry is supported by the British manufacturer and is part of the Junior Team Bentley program.

“We tasted briefly the GT Open two years ago and were very impressed,” said team principal Simone Petri.

“Not only it is one of the most competitive and high-level GT3 series in Europe, but also one of the friendliest and better organized ones.

“I really appreciate how GT Sport does things and takes care of its participants.

“For us, it was the obvious choice for 2019 and we are glad to be back with an ambitious program and a prestigious brand as Bentley.”