The long-anticipated wait for Bentley's Continental GT3 race car is set to make its competition debut at the Gulf 12 Hours of Abu Dhabi in two months time on December 13th. The announcement comes after the British manufacturer successfully tested the car for 3,000 kilometres and debuted it to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Thus far the Continental  has tested according to Bentley's exact GT3 factory specification, and the team has been enthusiastic about the setup looking ahead to its race debut.

“The car has performed extremely well so far, and has matched or exceeded our simulations in every respect. With 3000 km of testing completed already, the team is very pleased with progress and we’re gaining confidence in our package. We’re all looking forward to the Gulf 12 Hours in December and can’t wait to run the car against the competition for the first time in its first test race,” Bentley's Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush said.

Powered by a race-prepared and dry-sump version of Bentley’s powerful but efficient road-going 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing up to 600 bhp in unrestricted race configuration, and with the instantly-recognisable shape of the Continental GT, the GT3 is a true member of the Continental family.  Alongside its racing ambitions, the GT3 retains luxury Grand Tourer roots, with its steering wheel, carbon racing seat and leather door-pulls all trimmed and stitched by hand by the craftsmen and women at the Bentley factory in Crewe.

When it takes to the Yas Marina circuit in December, the operation will be run by M-Sport in preparation for a full entry in the 2014 FIA Blancpain Series as Team M-Sport Bentley.

Photos: Bentley