Boyd relishing a new challenge as he eyes win on Fuji debut

Surprised to be called up for the United Autosports team's first venture to the Far East, Boyd and co-drivers Garret Grist and Chris Buncombe were on course for victory until a late pit stop for a splash of fuel dropped them to second.

They demonstrated they had the speed if not the right strategy to win in Shanghai, and Boyd, who led the LMP3 category through the middle section, was in optimistic mood as he arrived at the historic Fuji circuit.

"Like my team-mates, I've never raced at Fuji, but I've heard a lot of good things," said the 28-year-old Templepatrick driver. "We need some time to get up to speed learning the circuit, but once we do there's no reason why we can't be fighting for that win. We were so close in Shanghai so it's definitely an achievable target."

Ulster's Steven Kane will continue with Bentley in 2019. He will team with Jules Gounon and Jordan Pepper to contest the Blancpain European series and International GT Championship in an M-Sport prepared GT3 Bentley Continental.

Kris Meeke will be partnered by co-driver Seb Marshall when he returns to the World Championship with Toyota next season.