2022 Sebring 12 Hours winner Neel Jani, a late replacement for F1-bound Kevin Magnussen, currently has no drive in place for the remainder of 2022, or beyond.
The 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours winner and FIA WEC World Drivers Champion turned down a Porsche GT3 programme in 2022, preferring instead to focus on potential opportunities in prototypes:
“I’m open to any calls – I didn’t want to drive GT3. I’m not interested in GT3. I prefer not to drive than to drive there. I still have connections with Porsche but there is nothing currently planned for this year, and nothing confirmed for 2023 yet either. But I think the result today shows that I am ready to go!”
Jani got the call to travel last Friday after Magnussen’s switch to the Haas F1 team to replace Nikita Mazepin was confirmed.
After that things happened quickly!
“I was in Indianapolis the following day to make a seat! Of course, I said yes immediately when I got the call. All I had time to do was to grab my things in a bag and turn off the stove so I didn’t burn down the house!
“The whole team, and especially Earl and Alex have been super welcoming and very helpful. I only got 30 laps before the race so the fact that the car is so well dialled in and good to drive was great.
“I’m delighted with the result of course, with wins at Petit Le Mans (with Rebellion) ad Le Mans too I guess there’s only Daytona left of the big ones!”
