Richard Dean (United Autosports): “Work hard to stay at the top”

Winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans, WEC and ELMS, the United Autosports team topped the LM P2 category in 2020. But such harvests are rare, even if this year, the team will defend its European crown with two choice trios, namely Phil Hanson-Jonathan Aberdein-Tom Gamble on the No. 22 and Job van Uitert-Manuel Maldonado-Nico Jamin on the No. 32.

The first free practice session for the 4 Hours of Barcelona, ​​opening round of the 2021 ELMS season, nevertheless offered a hierarchy similar or almost to that to which we were accustomed in 2020, since it is the No. 22 which rose to the top of the timesheet.

But it would be naive to think that G-Drive Racing, WRT or even Panis Racing will not give it more trouble this year and Richard Dean, the co-owner of the American entity, is well aware of this.

« Yes, last season was successful for us, recognizes the Briton. But we are realistic and know that we have to work hard, or even harder, to stay at the top. But finding yourself defending two titles is an enviable position. »

« To keep them, we will have to do it flawlessly, continues the outgoing champion Phil Hanson, orphan of Filipe Albuquerque, very busy with his commitments in WEC and in IMSA. The level of the grid is very high, but we are ready to take on this challenge. »

Newcomer to the No. 32, the Frenchman Nico Jamin, for his part, does not hide his ambitions. “ Our tests went very well and I am confident about our chances of performing well from the start, He says. We are committed to this championship to win it and starting well will be essential. »

Today, his car had to settle for the eighth fastest time, 1”299 from the sister car, but it's a safe bet that tomorrow, it will join the sister car at the front. This year again United Autosports will be formidable.