Post-edit: Due to Filipe Albuquerque's IMSA commitments with Acura Motorsports, the Portuguese racer and 2020 ELMS champion will no longer contest the upcoming ELMS season. Paul di Resta was announced as the new Platinum-graded driver in the #23 United Autosports ORECA 07 on 16th January 2024 (read more).
“I am really happy to be back again with United Autosports,” says Filipe. “I sound a bit repetitive because we are going for the eighth year in a row – that’s amazing! I love the European Le Mans Series … the last time I did this championship, I won so it’s great memories. And to finish the season in Portimão, it’s just perfect for a Portuguese driver.”
The Portuguese racer has enjoyed trans-Atlantic success since his 2020 ELMS triumph, winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2021 and taking three consecutive vice-championship titles in the ultra-competitive WeatherTech IMSA SportsCar Championship (2021 – 2023), alongside his continued FIA World Endurance Championship campaign with United Autosports.
Now, Albuquerque is set to return to the European Le Mans Series for a full season in the LMP2 Pro class, following a one-off appearance and podium place in the LMP2 Pro/Am class in 2023 (read more).
“Filipe is a proven winner and champion,” says Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO, “so to welcome him back to the European Le Mans Series paddock is a real privilege and the sign of a very exciting season to come. In 2020, he was an unstoppable force in the ELMS, and he went straight to the Pro/Am podium at the 4 Hours of Aragon this year, so we are very much looking forward to seeing what he can do in 2024.”
Ben Hanley has also been named as part of United Autosports’ 2024 European Le Mans Series campaign (see more). Stay up to date on social @unitedautosports.