M1 GT Racing has formally confirmed its Pirelli World Challenge program, as the first World Challenge team to commit to the new Audi R8 LMS.

The Paul Mata-led team placed its order back in March and ran only selected races with the previous generation Audi R8 LMS ultra throughout this year’s season.

The team received its new car last week. A shakedown test is planned before Christmas ahead of a full pre-Circuit of The Americas testing program.

“We are very excited to continue with Audi Sport customer racing,” said M1 GT Racing technical director Remi Lanteigne.

“We had our eyes on the new car since it was announced in late 2014 and were the first team in North America to place order for the new Audi R8 LMS.

“We traveled to Road Atlanta last month to drive the Audi R8 LMS test car under the guidance of AScr and confirmed all our initial thoughts about this impressive machine.

“The speed and presence that the Audi machine brings to the track is second to none and we can’t wait to get our testing program started.”

Walt Bowlin will drive a full season of GTA with support from Tampa Bay Jaw Surgery, and will also be in SprintX and one more to-be-announced program.

Guy Cosmo and Larry Pegram will join for SprintX races. Russ Gaglio also joins as the team’s crew chief.

“I am excited to drive the new Audi R8 LMS and rejoin the motorsports family at M1 GT,” Bowlin said. “After driving the car on track at Road Atlanta confirmed what I was expecting and I was really impressed.

“The sound, handling and overall design and concept of the car will provide M1 GT Racing with a solid platform for next season.

“I am also looking forward to working with Guy (Cosmo) and Larry (Pegram) as they are both legends in their sports and I think the three of us will make for a great team.”