ELMS – Albuquerque extends with United Autosports

Filipe Albuquerque will have a busy schedule in 2018. In addition to competing in the entireIMSA on one of Action Express Racing's Cadillac DPi-B.Rs, the Portuguese will continue to defend the colors of United Autosports in ELMS and 24 Hours of Le Mans (subject to commitment) after finishing runner-up this year with Richard Dean's structure.

Filipe Albuquerque will therefore ride in one of the two Ligier JS P217s alongside Phil Hanson but will not be able to consider winning the title in the European Endurance Championship since he will miss the first event of the season at Paul-Ricard ( Var) in April due to a clash of dates with IMSA.

“I am very happy to continue with United Autosports. I found a real family here, comments Filipe Albuquerque. I was delighted that they asked me to continue working with them in 2018, especially with my other program in IMSA. Phil Hanson will be fantastic. He already has experience in ELMS and has already driven at Le Mans. We will work on many points in testing to make it even faster. »

Filipe Albuquerque will once again be called upon to train young recruits. The Portuguese has already improved Will Owen and Hugo de Sadeleer this season when they were from Formula Renault Eurocup. The crew remained in the fight for the title against G-Drive Racing and Dragonspeed until the final in Portimao (Portugal).

“Our young drivers and our team benefited from the presence of Filipe and it was therefore logical to keep him with us for a second season, adds Richard Dean, co-owner and director of United Autosports. I'm sure he will work well with Phil Hanson even though it will be a new teammate for him. Phil will benefit from Filipe's knowledge like Hugo de Sadeleer and Will Owen. »