24 HOURS OF LE MANS: THE COUNTDOWN IS ON TO THE RACE OF THE CENTURY
24 Hours of Le Mans
It’s a historic event on the endurance racing calendar – and now, there’s less than two weeks to go. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is gearing up for a landmark year at Circuit de la Sarthe, and United Autosports are laser-focussed on reclaiming our 2020 title.
This will mark our seventh consecutive year racing at Le Mans - and as the iconic sporting event celebrates its centenary (having first taken place in 1923), it’s set to be bigger and better than ever with 300,000 spectators due to attend. That’s double the crowds on race day at the Silverstone Grand Prix. More than three times the capacity of Wembley Stadium. Glastonbury festival plus 100,000.
A prestigious race in its own right, Le Mans is also the fourth round in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Our two-car LMP2 line-up – currently first and third in the WEC standings – have had a strong start to the season with one victory, two pole positions and three second-place podiums to date. Now, the drivers of the #22 and #23 ORECA 07s look to take on the ultimate test of endurance, with double championship points up for grabs.
On-track action starts on Sunday 4th June with the official test, building up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race on Saturday 10th June at 16:00 (CEST) and, finally, the checkered flag which falls one day later. Stay up to date with the team @unitedautosports.
Phil Hanson, Filipe Albuquerque and Frederick Lubin - United Autosports
CAR #22
Phil Hanson: “As in 2020 and 2021, I’ll arrive at Le Mans leading WEC. Filipe and I won Le Mans in 2020, going on to claim the Driver’s title, while in 2021 we finished virtually last after issues. So I know only too well that the points advantage we take there means very, very little because Le Mans ultimately takes no prisoners. United and myself know exactly what it takes to win at Le Mans. It’s a case of executing the perfect race; a fast car, fast drivers, no mistakes, perfect pit-stops and bullet-proof reliability. Every single piece of the puzzle must come together in order to achieve our goal of winning LMP2."
Filipe Albuquerque: “We head to Le Mans in a strong position. United lead WEC and have finished on the podium in all three races so far this year with either the #22 or #23. Last year we started the race P2 in the #22 car ... we had the speed and this year will be the same. We of course aim to win but it’s a long race, a lot of things can happen. We’ll be focussed and we'll do our job. When it comes to Le Mans, everyone is excited about competing in the biggest race of the year ... especially this year, the 100 years making it even more charismatic. Everyone wants to win Le Mans and hopefully the luck will be with us."
Frederick Lubin: “I’m very excited to race at Le Mans for the first time. It will also be my first time competing in a 24 hour race so there's been a lot of preparation ... many hours spent in the gym with my coach. I believe the #22 can achieve a good result, the car is very strong and I have lots of trust in the United Autosports team to deliver perfect pit-stops throughout. I am looking forward to the challenge ... fingers crossed, it will be a lot of fun!"
Josh Pierson, Oliver Jarvis and Tom Blomqvist - United Autosports
#CAR 23
Josh Pierson: “I’m really looking forward to getting back on track for my second 24 Hours of Le Mans. I am more confident in myself this year, and I know with Olly and Tom we have a super strong line-up to fight at the front. I’m excited to hit the track for the test day and get working!”
Oliver Jarvis: "Le Mans is always the highlight of the season and, this being the centenary year and sold out, the desire to win is greater than ever. In terms of performance, the #23 has had an extremely strong start to the season so it’s important that we carry that momentum into the race. Le Mans is one of the toughest races in the world for the drivers, team and car ... anything can happen. With the level of competition as high as it is ... to be in with a shot of winning, all three drivers must be on top of their game and as a team, we will need to have an almost flawless race. I genuinely believe with United Autosports and my two team-mates, we have all the tools necessary to achieve victory! Whilst the points for the championship are important, we are going there to aim for the win!"
Tom Blomqvist: “Without doubt, this is the biggest race of my year, and to say I’m excited is a massive under statement. Nothing else comes close. It’s such a special event and holds so much history and energy. This year, especially, celebrating its 100th anniversary, the sell-out crowd - it’s going to be incredible! Nothing compares to driving around Le Mans at night. I’m confident that the #23 has a great chance of victory - this is the one we want to win. It’s a gruelling race and you have to be perfect throughout. Mistakes are costly."
