The arrival of Filipe Albuquerque within the United Autosports team for its ELMS campaign was finalized in early February for the defending champion outfit in the LMP3 class, which earned it an automatic invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.
Filipe Albuquerque is a top-notch recruit for the Amercan team who doubled down at the 4 Hours of Silverstone, winning both the LMP2 and LMP3 classes in which it is entered. The outfit will be competing in its first 24 Hours of Le Mans, unlike the Portuguese driver who already has three participations under his belt.
After having taken the start twice in the LMP1 class with Audi, with as best result seventh place in 2015, Filipe Albuquerque took the wheel of the Ligier JS P2 in LMP2 with RGR Sport by Morand last year, crossing the finish line 10th in the class.
This year, the Ligier JS P2 has been replaced with the JS P217 to comply with the new technical regulations in effect since January 1st, like the Oreca 07 replaced the Oreca 05.
Before the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 17th and 18th, Filipe Albuquerque and his teammates Will Owen and Hugo de Sadeleer will participate in the 4 Hours of Monza on Sunday, May 14th.
Photo: Filipe Albuquerque (at right), with his teammate Ricardo Gonzalez (at left), at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans.