Ben Hanley to race in 6 Hours of Fuji
To date, Hanley has joined the #22 ORECA 07 crew for two rounds in the FIA World Endurance Championship - the 6 Hours of Portimão and the 6 Hours of Monza – in place of Filipe Albuquerque.
In Fuji, however, Hanley will race the sister #23 ORECA 07 with co-drivers Olly Jarvis and Josh Pierson, stepping in for Tom Blomqvist who will be in Laguna Seca for the final INDYCAR race of the season.
“I’m so excited to be back with the United Autosports team, and really looking forward to racing with Olly [Jarvis] and Josh [Pierson]” says Hanley. “Olly and I have raced each other a lot throughout our careers, from the karting days right through to this year’s ELMS and WEC. He’s coming off a great win at ELMS Aragon, so we’ll look to carry that momentum forward. Together with Josh [Pierson], who burst onto the scene with his win in Sebring last year and is now on his second year in the WEC, it’s certainly a solid line-up.”
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British racer Hanley arrived with a bang in April, celebrating second place on the Portimão podium on his debut race with United Autosports (read more) as well as winning the Goodyear Wingfoot award, which is presented to the fastest LMP2 driver over a double stint (see more).
“It’s great to be able to call on Ben for this very important WEC race for the #23 car and for the team,” says United Autosports CEO Richard Dean. “Ben has been on top form when he’s raced with us in Portimão and Monza, so I have no doubt he can enable us to challenge for the win in Fuji."
“At the same time, we will be keeping an eye on the INDYCAR race in Laguna Seca” says Dean, "and wishing Tom Blomqvist all the best of luck.”
The 6 Hours of Fuji is on Sunday 10th September at 11:00 (JST) / 03:00 (BST). Follow the team on social @unitedautosports.