- Former LMP3 Champion, Brundle returns to Anglo-American team
- Rolex 24 At Daytona winner, Cullen joins United roster for 2019
- European Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours LMP2 programme almost complete
United Autosports can confirm that Alex Brundle and Ryan Cullen will join their LMP2 team for the 2019 European Le Mans Series and pending entry confirmation, the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Alex Brundle first raced for the team in 2016 when they made their European Le Mans Series debut. After scoring three wins and two further podiums, Alex was crowned 2016 ELMS LMP3 Champion alongside other LMP3 team returnees Mike Guasch and Christian England. Alex also joined the team for their Sebring 12 Hours debut last year, standing in for Bruno Senna. Alex finished fifth in the Ligier JS P217 with Phil Hanson and Paul Di Resta.
Ryan Cullen is new to the Anglo American team but has previously tested a Ligier JS P217 prior to joining the team. Last year he raced in the European Le Mans Series for the APR – Rebellion Racing team and has previously raced in the Porsche Supercup and the GP3 Series. Most recently Ryan won the LMP2 class of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Ryan has already totalled four days of testing with United Autosports, most recently attending their Barcelona pre-season test last week alongside Filipe Albuquerque and Phil Hanson.
United Autosports have already announced that Phil Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque will race for their LMP2 team during the 2019 European Le Mans Series and pending entry confirmation, the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours. The driver who will join Phil and Filipe at Le Mans is still to be confirmed. Ryan and Alex’s co-driver for the ELMS and Le Mans 24 Hours is also still to be decided.
The 2019 European Le Mans Series begins with the official prologue at Paul Ricard on 8-9 April, with the first round of the season held later that week on 12-14 April. The 87th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours will be held on 15-16 June.
Ryan Cullen, driver, United Autosports:
“I’m delighted to be joining United Autosports for 2019. It’s a team with great structure and experience and the perfect place for me to grow and be competitive in ELMS. So far everybody has been superb and very welcoming and I’m looking forward to having Alex as a teammate. Le Mans also excites me and pending an entry of course, this year will be my first time racing at Le Mans. After experiencing success last month at Daytona, the prospect of being with a front running team in my second 24-hour race is a fantastic position to be in.”
Alex Brundle, driver, United Autosports:
“I’m very excited and motivated to be racing with United Autosports in LMP2 for 2019, re-joining the team who took me to the championship title in LMP3. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a Ligier once more, representing a world-class outfit and my longstanding sponsors and friends at Richard Mille.”
Zak Brown, Team Owner and Chairman, United Autosports:
“Alex and Ryan will be a good combination for our LMP2 team. They are both quick and experienced drivers in the ELMS and in the LMP2 class. The competition looks set to be higher than ever in the ELMS this year but I think we have two good line ups so far. Just one more seat left to fill.”
Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:
“Alex is no stranger to the team and it is good to welcome him back for the 2019 season. He is a previous champion of ours so hopefully he can replicate his season in 2016 once again. Ryan has impressed us in the four days testing he has done with us so far so I am hopeful of good things from him throughout the season. I think him and Alex will make a good line up with their third as yet undecided team mate.”