EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES: IT'S THE FOUR HOURS OF ... LE CASTELLET
European Le Mans Series 2023 - United Autosports - 4 Hours of Le Castellet
It's been more than 80 days since the first round of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in Barcelona – but finally, we’re back for round two at Circuit Paul Ricard.
There are 42 cars across four categories in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet this weekend – including three United Autosports ORECA 07s in the LMP2 and LMP2 Pro / Am categories.
We've enjoyed historic success here, since joining the ELMS LMP2 class in 2017, with three top-three starts at Le Castellet including pole position in 2020, and three podium finishes including a double podium in 2021 and the win in 2020.
This year, the all-pro line-up of Phil Hanson, Olly Jarvis and Marino Sato are looking to continue the French success story in the #22 car, coming back with fresh determination after a puncture-plagued first round in Barcelona (read more).
They’ll be joined on track by the two United Autosports LMP2 Pro / Am entries – the team’s first season in the growing ELMS category. In the #21 car, Daniel Schneider is joined by Andy Meyrick and former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. And in the #23, Jim McGuire is teaming up with former F1 driver Paul di Resta and 2003 Le Mans winner Guy Smith.
Today (Friday 14th July), the European Le Mans Series officially starts with FP1 and the Bronze Driver Test. On Saturday, the morning FP2 session is followed by Qualifying at 14:20 BST / 15:20 CEST … then it’s race day. The 4 Hours of Le Castellet starts at 10:30 BST / 11:30 CEST on Sunday 16th July.
Watch all the action live and free on YouTube and go behind the scenes with the team on social @unitedautosports.
United Autosports #21 ORECA 07 - 2023 European Le Mans Series
CAR #21
Daniel Schneider: “Since the break from Barcelona in April, I’ve been preparing myself to bounce back. Nelson and Andy have been doing the same so I’m confident that we can achieve a great performance - and it’s only the 2nd round of the championship so there are plenty of points available through the rest of the season.”
Nelson Piquet Jr: “Glad to finally be back in the European Le Mans Series paddock. With the Imola race being cancelled, this is only the second round of the season even though we’re already more than halfway through the year. I’m still getting to know the team and the car, but we’ll be working as hard as we can to improve on our position in Barcelona.
Andy Meyrick: “It’s been a strange start to the 2023 season of the European Le Mans Series, with such a long gap since the first round in Barcelona in April – but I’m really looking forward to getting back out on track with Daniel and Nelson this weekend.”
United Autosports #22 ORECA 07 - 2023 European Le Mans Series
CAR #22
Phil Hanson: “After a disappointing opening round in Barcelona, I’m eager to get back on track and have a strong showing in Paul Ricard this weekend.” Oliver Jarvis: “It was a difficult start in Barcelona, so it’s great to be back in the car at Paul Ricard with the aim of kick starting our season campaign in the European Le Mans Series. United Autosports have had a strong car there in the past and with Marino and Phil, our aim will be to challenge for the victory!” Marino Sato: “I’m excited to be back after a long break. We didn’t have a smooth race in Barcelona, so we’re all hungry to get the real results this weekend.”
United Autosports #23 ORECA 07 - 2023 European Le Mans Series
CAR #23
Jim McGuire: “I’m really looking forward to the race this weekend, I love Paul Ricard … it’s my first time driving the track in an LMP2 there so I’m super excited about that. Driving with Paul and Guy is mega, and it’s always great to see everybody in the United Autosports family. This weekend, it’s heads down for the second round and hopefully a good result.”
Paul di Resta: “Nice to be back, it’s obviously been a big break since the first one. It’s going to be a long, hot weekend ahead … looking forward to getting back in the United Autosports car and doing some racing.”
Guy Smith: “Paul Ricard is one of the best circuits in Europe, and it’s been kind to me in the past … scoring two wins in the GT World Challenge Series back with Bentley. It’s a circuit I enjoy and I think it will be exciting to drive the LMP2 car with a good mix of high-speed corners and hairpins. Barcelona was a disappointing start so this weekend we’re looking to have a good race and get some points on the board.”
