United Autosports has announced that it will compete with two Ligier JS P217s in the 2018 season, and that 17-year-old British racer Phil Hanson has signed with the team. With the Anglo-American outfit, reigning Asian Le Mans Series LMP3 Champion Hanson will race in the ELMS, the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and at Le Mans (subject to the team gaining an entry).
Hanson already has experience racing in the Ligier JS P217, racing in the now-disbanded Tockwith Motorsport LMP2 effort which competed in ELMS and FIA WEC rounds, as well as the Le Mans 24 Hours this year.
Hanson (below) will race alongside Lando Norris in one of the team’s Daytona 24 Hours entries in January, with their third team mate to be revealed soon. Phil’s co-driver for the 2018 ELMS season will also be announced in the coming weeks.
United steps up to to running two Ligier JS P217s in 2018, having made its debut in the LMP2 class this year in the ACO-sanctioned European Le Mans Series.
“I’m very excited to be racing for reigning European Le Mans Series champions United Autosports next year,” Hanson said. “The Rolex 24 at Daytona will be my first race in America. Racing at Daytona is a very exhilarating way to start my 2018 season, as it is one of the most famous races in the world. I can’t wait to get going.”
Richard Dean, United Autosports team owner added: “I’m really pleased Phil will be joining us in 2018. Even though he is relatively new to prototype racing, Phil has shown his pace in the events he has competed in so far and with a good testing programme, that will only improve. He has experience of the car and the ELMS circuits as well as the demanding Le Mans track.
“I’m sure he will pick up the Daytona layout quickly too. I’m looking forward to working with him next year.”
