Le
Mans Series 2011
Team RLR announces Driver Development Programme
Issued January 24th 2011
RLR Build Up SPEED to LMS
TEAM
RLR is looking to build upon the team's progress in
endurance racing by announcing a Driver Development
Scheme to provide a route for up-and-coming sports car
drivers that could lead all the way to the Le Mans 24
Hour Race.
The
team has entered both their Ligier JS49 Sports Prototypes
in the 2011 SPEED Euroseries which will act as a support
series on the LMS calendar, visiting all five locations – Paul
Ricard, Spa, Imola, Silverstone and Estoril – in
addition to a stand-alone race weekend at Donington.
Bolton-based
RLR Msport – which runs
the Team RLR MG-Lola EX265 - will use the SPEED Series
to enable any drivers from the team, who show sufficient
potential in the SPEED series, to earn an opportunity
to test their LMP2 car at the end of the season.
“We see the SPEED series being part of the natural
progression for those drivers who wish to advance in to
Le Mans Prototypes,” said Team Principal Nick Reynolds.
“The
fact that it now mirrors the LMS through their five round
championship makes the SPEED Series the ideal platform
for our Driver Development Scheme.
“With
two races at each event for teams of two drivers per
car, the SPEED Euroseries is an excellent opportunity
for drivers to get a taste of endurance racing in sophisticated
sports prototypes before moving up to the bigger stage
of LMS itself.
“All three drivers who were regulars in our car
last season – Barry Gates, Rob Garofall and Simon
Phillips – as well as guest driver Warren Hughes,
have all driven in the SPEED series.
“Not
everyone gets the chance to sit in a full-blown Le Mans
racer. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for
someone to make a real name for himself.
“Hopefully,
whoever takes up our opportunity to test the LMP2 car,
will view it as the chance to progress in the LMS.”
To find out more about Team RLR and its Le Mans Series campaign
log on to:
www.rlrrmotorsport.com