EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES: GEARING UP FOR THE SEASON OPENER IN BARCELONA

United Autosports LMP2 European Le Mans Series 2023
United Autosports LMP2 European Le Mans Series 2023
The 2023 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) has commenced in Barcelona, with three United Autosports ORECA 07s competing across the LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am categories. 
 
Car #22 is going for the overall title with 2020 ELMS champion Phil Hanson, 2022 IMSA Dpi champion Oliver Jarvis and new recruit, Formula 2 driver Marino Sato behind the wheel.
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This year also marks United Autosports’ first experience in the growing ELMS Pro/Am category, with a double LMP2 entry in the eleven-car line up and eyes fixed on a new title for the three-time LMP3 and one-time LMP2 championship-winning team.
 
In the #21 car, Daniel Schneider and Andy Meyrick – who have raced in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with United for three consecutive seasons (2020 – 2022) – are joined by experienced single-seater racer and former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. 
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Completing the line-up, the #23 ORECA 07 of Jim McGuire, who is making the step up to LMP2 after racing in the ELMS LMP3 category last year, FIA WEC Peugeot driver and former F1 racer Paul di Resta, and 2003 Le Mans champion Guy Smith. 
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The first of two Prologue practice days are already underway, with the United Autosports LMP2 trio gearing up for the 4 Hours of Barcelona on Sunday 23rd April.

Watch the race live on 
YouTube from 11:30 CEST and stay up to date with the team on social @unitedautosports

Phil Hanson, Marino Sato and Oliver Jarvis racing in the 2023 European Le Mans Series for United Autosports
Phil Hanson, Marino Sato and Oliver Jarvis racing in the 2023 European Le Mans Series for United Autosports
CAR #22

Phil Hanson: “Really excited to be starting my ELMS season, especially off the back of two strong results in the WEC. Barcelona is a track we haven’t found to be our strongest in past ELMS seasons … but I think the change to the track layout, removing the chicane that was introduced in 2007, will suit us. It’s going to slightly shift the emphasis on what you need from the car, and I’m sure United Autosports will have a competitive package.”
 
Marino Sato: “I’m very excited to start the new season. It’s a new challenge with a lot of new rules for me so it’s important I don’t make any mistakes. When we get it all right, I think we can expect really good results.”

Oliver Jarvis: “Coming off the back of a really strong weekend in the WEC, I can’t wait to get to Barcelona for the first round of ELMS. Really looking forward to working with Phil, who I know very well, and Marino Sato for the first time. I think we’ve got a strong line-up … it’s a really competitive field this year in ELMS but I’m confident in the team who have done an exceptional job so far this season in WEC. If we can carry that form over, we should be in a position to fight for podiums.”

Daniel Schneider, Andy Meyrick and Nelson Piquet Jr racing in the 2023 European Le Mans Series with United Autosports
Daniel Schneider, Andy Meyrick and Nelson Piquet Jr racing in the 2023 European Le Mans Series with United Autosports
CAR #21

Daniel Schneider: “I’m extremely excited for the opening round in Barcelona. It will be my first ELMS season in the LMP2 car and I’m very much looking forward to it. Even though the Pro/Am field is competitive and much bigger than in previous years, I believe we have a strong package to fight for podiums and eventually the championship.”

Andy Meyrick: “LMP2 Pro/Am looks like it will be a really strong category, but I have every confidence in the team and our driver line-up that we can deliver strong results.”

Nelson Piquet Jr: “Happy to finally get back in an LMP2 race. It’s been about six years so I’m really excited. To make it even better, the race will be in Barcelona which is a track I really enjoy. This will be my first race with United Autosports so I’m looking to bring them good results to build a long-term relationship with this team.”

Jim McGuire, Paul di Resta and Guy Smith race in the 2023 European Le Mans Series for United Autosports
Jim McGuire, Paul di Resta and Guy Smith race in the 2023 European Le Mans Series for United Autosports

CAR #23

Jim McGuire: “Super excited to get back with United Autosports in Barcelona. Moving up to the LMP2 class in ELMS is a big step, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have Paul and Guy to learn from. Head down and push for a good result!”
 
Paul di Resta: “This is my first full season in the ELMS – Jim made good progress in the LMP2 car at Asian Le Mans earlier this year and Guy is a Le Mans factory team winner so we’ll work hard and see what we can do. Pro/Am is a strong category and the configuration is going to be much racier … I’m excited to get out there.”
 
Guy Smith: “Looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the LMP2 car … it’s been over 12 months since I last raced it at Sebring last year. So It’s been a while! The first round of the championship with the Prologue gives us chance to spend some time in the car, and for me to get to know Paul – I'm really looking forward to working with him. It's great to be back with United Autosports ... it should be a good year."