Phil Hanson will start the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours as the youngest driver in the 24 Hours of Le Mans field, and, unusually, this is the second consecutive year that that’s been the case.
At 18 years old (Phil turns 19 early next month) he’s about to embark on his second effort at the greatest race in the world, but the intervening 12 months have seen major changes for his racing programme, and for his experience and performance levels.
He’s already shared cars this year with double F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, McLaren F1 reserve driver and current F2 Championship leader Lando Norris, ex F1 driver Bruno Senna, Ex F1 man previous DTM Champion and current DTM Championship contender Paul di Resta with iconic races and iconic venues including the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the opening rounds of the European Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard and Monza.
All have seen the youngster and his team-mates in contention, and it’s become readily apparent that Hanson’s skill set and confidence levels have taken significant steps forward.
Now though it’s time for the big one – the Le Mans 24 Hours.
“I first came to Le Mans in 2016 when I drove an Audi GT3 sportscar in the supporting Road To Le Mans event then made my 24 Hour race début last year.
“I started to be aware of Le Mans when I was karting in 2015 but until I competed in the main race last year, I had no idea just how big the event was!”
Hanson though is not overawed by the event, or by the world-famous track.
“The Le Mans 24 Hours is unquestionably my biggest and most difficult race of the year. It’s the hardest race because of the duration but also as it attracts the best drivers in the world combining to make it very tough
“It’s not my all-time favourite track but it’s up there. I love the Porsche Curves while I’m not a big fan of the final chicane as I always fear for the car over the curbs.
“The most challenging is Indianapolis. Racing in darkness was the most difficult element of last year’s race for me, my first-ever 24hr race because without stating the obvious, you cannot see the reference points for braking and turning in [to the corner] at night so that took me time to adjust to.
Hanson will share the #22 United Autosports Ligier JS P217 Gibson LMP2 car this year with di Resta and full season ELMS team-mate, ex-Audi factory driver Felipe Albuquerque.
The Portuguese Pro has taken much of the responsibility for helping Hanson to develop his skills in the off-season and through into 2018:
“I was working with Hugo (de Sadeleer) and Will (Owen) last year and now with Phil. “I understand the struggles of these young drivers but Phil’s progress has been very impressive. He’s been excellent all year so far and, with the programme he’s putting together, that’s pretty impressive.
“then at the test Day again he was very quick, I’ve been making sure that he’, and Juan Pablo, both know that he was faster than Montoya (in the sister United Autosports Ligier).
More big names then – this time as the competition, and once again the young man is relishing the challenge:
“This year’s LMP2 field looks like being mega competitive, top drivers and top teams – the majority very experienced at Le Mans.
“I start every race looking to win and I believe the Ligier will be stronger this year. United managed fourth in LMP2 last year on the team’s début which was an extraordinary result.
“With Filipe and Paul in ‘my’ car, I’d suggest our #22 Ligier has one of the strongest driver line-ups so we’ll be in contention.”
By 4 pm on Sunday we’ll know!
