United Autosports will enter the European Le Mans Series’ LMP2 Pro/ Am class for the first time in 2023 with the announcement this morning that Daniel Schneider and Andy Meyrick will be joined by Nelson Piquet Jr in an ORECA 07 Gibson next season.
Schneider and ex Bentley and Aston Martin factory driver Meyrick will then continue their three year racing partnership, swapping their current Ligier JS P320 LMP3 in the Le Mans Cup, for the Oreca-07 LMP2 in the 2023 European Le Mans Series.
Nelson Piquet Jnr. joins the Yorkshire based team for the first time, the latest world class racer to do so.
Ex Formula 1 racer and inaugural Formula E Champion Piquet is the son of three-time Formula 1 World Champion nelson Piquet.
Piquet Jnr. has significant Sportscar racing experience including a near full season in LMP2 in 2017 that saw him score multiple podium finishes in an ORECA for Vaillante Rebellion.
United Autosports has LMP2 titles in both the European Le Mans Series and FIA WEC but this will be a first entry in the recently introduced Pro/ Am LMP2 class for crews featuring at least one FIA Bronze-rated driver.
Daniel Schneider, Am Driver: “It’s a dream come true, racing in the ELMS next year with two of my good friends Andy and Nelson in an LMP2 car. The plan is to stay with United for many more years, having seen three seasons through with them already in the LMP3, Le Mans Cup championship. I am excited for next year to get underway and I
have my hopes set on a successful year and the chance to maybe race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans one day.”
Andy Meyrick, Pro Driver: “I am delighted to be continuing to drive with Daniel for what will be our fourth year together at United Autosports. His driving and performances continue to improve and his progress behind the wheel has been excellent, so this is a logical next step for him. He did a test in an LMP2 car at the end of last year and drove really, really well, so it will be exciting to see what he can achieve.
“Nelson’s record speaks for itself, so I am looking forward to driving alongside him. He and Daniel get on well, so I think we’ll be a strong line up in a competitive field, as the ELMS always is. There’s still a lot of work to do this season however, so we won’t be taking our eye off the ball as we continue to work hard and consistently finish on the podium in the Le Mans Cup.”
Nelson Piquet Jnr, Pro Driver: “I’m really looking forward to be back racing in an LMP2 next year. Daniel and I have raced in the past in Brazil, getting to know each other well, so I’m excited to get the chance to race with him once more. It’s good to have a long-term plan set out, and I think this Pro-Am entry will allow us to have a really successful future in racing together and maybe contest a Le Mans win!”
Zak Brown: “It’s great news that we have been able to secure our first 2023 driver line-up, and with such a strong championship fight ahead I cannot wait to see how Daniel, Andy and Nelson get on. Having contested and won the LMP2 and LMP3 championships in the ELMS, we are excited at the opportunity to fight for
the Pro-Am title as well.”
Richard Dean: “We are delighted to announce such a strong driver line-up so early in the season. Daniel and Andy have worked really well together in LMP3 and they both deserve the opportunity to step into LMP2. Nelson’s addition to this line-up is very exciting, he is experienced and fast and will be important in our fight for another LMP2 title.”
