DragonSpeed ​​announces its arrival in LM P1

Arriving in LM P2 last season, the DragonSpeed ​​– 10Star team did not take long to launch its track record. Indeed, if the title ELMS 2017 is attributed to G-Drive Racing, the No. 07 Oreca 22 was well exploited by the American entity managed by Elton Julian. Less than ten days after its coronation, the team announced its intention to crack down on LM P1 next season in the World Championship.Endurance.

« The team is delighted and ready to take on this challenge, assures team principal Elton Julian. After winning titles in GT3 and LM P2, this move to LM P1 is a natural progression. We carefully study potential partners. We can't wait for this new adventure to begin. I remember my first participation at Le Mans, in 2005. There was an Audi “factory” team and quality private teams fielding six chassis and four different engines. The pole went to a privateer (Pescarolo Sport. Ndlr). Si Toyota continue – ce que nous souhaitons – je pense que durant les deux années à venir, nous pouvons ramener une certaine variété et la tradition des écuries privées compétitives dans la catégorie reine. »

Although the chassis and engine manufacturer have not yet been chosen, two of the three drivers are already known. These are the Swede Henrik Hedman – amateur driver and creditor of the team – and the Briton Ben Hanley, who has defended the interests of the team since last year. “ The opportunity to move to the highest level with such a talented and united group made this decision very easy to make, underlines the first named. Step by step, we grew together and accomplished great things. I congratulate the ACO and the FIA ​​for this new calendar and this opportunity offered to us. »

« To pass in WEC and in LM P1 offers us the chance to fight for the podium overall, particularly at Le Mans, rejoices Ben Hanley for his part. Henrik continues to progress and his motivation is a source of inspiration for the entire team. For having done some work with LM P2 teams in the WEC this season (TDS Racing and CEFC Manor TRS Racing. Editor's note), I can assure you that DragonSpeed ​​is up to the task. »

If, on paper, we can only hope to see this project come to fruition, the unknown concerns the level of Henrik Hedman, who gives several seconds to his teammates in ELMS, in LM P2. Especially since the paragraph d of article 10.9.2 of the WEC sporting regulations states: “  For the LMP1 category only, Bronze drivers are not admitted. » But we can bet that the person concerned has already obtained the necessary guarantees from the governing bodies, seeing that he is already guaranteed to pass Silver next year, which would however be surprising given his performances.