Maxime Martin, Alvaro Parente and 2017 GTE AM Le Mans winner Dries Vanthoor will race for Taiwanese team HubAuto Racing at the 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours in the team’s #72 Porsche 911 RSR-19 in the LMGTE Pro category.
It’s a very different trio to that listed on the provisional entry with reigning Le Mans class Champion Aston Martin factory man Martin and ex McLaren driver and Bathurst 12 Hour winner Parente in for Heiki Kovalainen (who is understood to be prioritising his current Super GT and Japanese Rally programmes, and Nick Cassidy.
“We are greatly anticipating blending the skills of Maxime, Alvaro and Dries with HubAuto Racing’s technical ability. All three drivers are accomplished 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers and extremely talented. It is a wonderful opportunity for HubAuto Racing to have them join us, for what we believe is a superb line-up for this prestigious event.” said Morris Chen, Team Owner and Principal of HubAuto Racing.
Belgian, Maxime Martin has a strong endurance racing pedigree background, following in his father’s footsteps and winning the 24 Hours of Spa. In 2020, the experienced racer won the 24 Hour of Le Mans in the LMGTE Pro category.
“When the team contacted me about the drive I was immediately interested and knew it would be a great opportunity. This year will be my seventh year competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I am happy to have the chance to defend my victory from last year and will do everything to win it again.” Martin said.
Former British F3 Champion and Bathurst 12 Hour winner, Alvaro Parente said “I’ve been keen to drive with HubAuto Racing for some time and we have spoken on a few occasions. Each time there has been a clash or other commitments. As soon as the team told me it was a Pro entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I wanted to be involved. This time our schedules didn’t clash.”
“We are equally excited welcoming Dries to the team. He has a high calibre in numerous endurance events at the top level, having accomplished victories and podiums in several 24Hour events, including the 2017 Le Mans in the LMGTE Am class.” said Chen.
Multiple GT endurance race winner, Dries Vanthoor said “When the team messaged me to gauge my interest, I was on the phone to them quickly. Honestly, I was getting calls from other teams to join their line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, however, HubAuto Racing’s offer and the Pro line up is a great chance for the team and I wanted to be part of that.”
“HubAuto Racing are the first Asian based team, in history, to compete in the LMGTE Pro category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We believe we have a powerful combination of talent, speed and experience. We are expecting great results for our sponsors and supporters.” Chen said.
The 89th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on the 21-22nd of August 2021 at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France.
