- United Autosports ready for second endurance race in the US
- Hanson, Di Resta and Alex Brundle racing Ligier JS P217 at notoriously bumpy Sebring
- Valuable knowledge gained at official Sebring Test last month
United Autosports make their way back to the United States this week as they prepare for the Mobil 1 Sebring 12 Hours in Florida.
Phil Hanson, Paul Di Resta and Alex Brundle, who stands in for Bruno Senna, will race the team’s Ligier JS P217 round the notoriously bumpy Sebring International Raceway on Saturday 17th March.
The 12 Hours of Sebring is the second round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and also the second round of the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup. The 12-hour endurance race is the second race the European LMP3 Champions have contested in the US this year. They previously raced in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, finishing fourth with the #32 Ligier and drivers Will Owen, Hugo de Sadeleer, Bruno Senna and Paul Di Resta.
All three drivers took part in the official IMSA Sebring Test last month to gain valuable knowledge of the circuit. Alex Brundle tested the Ligier JS P217 for the first time as he returned to the team where he won the ELMS LMP3 Championship in 2016.
The Mobil 1 Sebring 12 Hours begins on Saturday 17th March at 10:40 (UK -4hrs). Viewers in the UK can watch the live stream on imsa.tv and follow live timing on imsa.com.
Phil Hanson, driver, United Autosports:
“I’m really looking forward to the race after a successful test. It’s my first 12-hour race so I’m looking forward to seeing what it brings. Like all endurance races, it’s as much about consistency and playing the long game than it is about pace. Anything can happen but we are definitely in a strong position, with a strong line up and a more competitive car so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”
Paul Di Resta, driver, United Autosports:
“It will be good to get back in the car after a productive few days at the test last month. It was nice to get to grips with the car again and I think we are in reasonably good shape. I think we can put together a good package together coming up. I’m getting used to the bumps of Sebring, but it’s an old school, pure racing track that throws up some challenges and I think that’s what we have been focussing on to make sure that over the 12 hours we are in the best shape we can be and we will go from there. It will be nice to be back in the sunshine too.”
Alex Brundle, driver, United Autosports:
“United Autosports are a team I hold in very high regard, so I am looking forward to returning to arguably one of the world’s toughest endurance races with people I know well and trust. Sebring is a tough challenge, with a brutal circuit and plenty of traffic but the charm of the place is undeniable. With the fun fan engagement and general craziness down at T10. I’m looking forward to going back.”
Zak Brown, Team Owner and Chairman, United Autosports:
“We had a good test last month so I’m confident that we can continue that momentum into the race weekend. It’s great to have Alex back on board – he knows the team and how we work and has settled right back in again.”
Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:
“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do at Sebring. We had a good test and it was good to welcome Alex back to the team. It’s a long race and anything can happen, so we just need to make sure we are still in the running with a few hours to go and see what happens. We had a great result at Daytona and know we could have done better, so fingers crossed for another great result at Sebring.”