The entry list for the ELMS’ first visit to Mugello next week has been revealed. It features the same 43 cars that took part in the 4 Hours of Spa, but several driver changes across the four categories.
In LMP2, Vector Sport has had a change in line-up, with Patrick Pilet rejoining the team to race in the seat previously filled by Felipe Drugovich.
This will be the Frenchman’s second race with the team this year, after he subbed for Drugovich at the Le Mans 24 Hours when he was placed in Cadillac Racing’s Hypercar line-up.
Nielsen Racing’s Pro car also sees a change, with David Heinemeier Hansson not listed due to a clashing business commitment in North America. Instead, the #27 has just two drivers listed, with Benjamin Pedersen – who will complete the season – in for his second start alongside full-season driver Will Stevens.
The team has confirmed to DSC that a third driver will not be signed in time for the race and that the car will compete with two drivers. Heinemeier Hansson is expected to return for the finale next month.
Meanwhile, Nico Pino – who drove for Nielsen in the #27 for the first three rounds of the season – is set to make a return to the ELMS, but at IDEC Sport. He will race alongside Reshad De Gerus and Job Van Uitert. Paul Lafarge and Marcos Siebert held that seat previously.
There’s also a change at Duqueine, with Niels Koolen in for Rasmus Lindh.
LMP2 Pro/Am has a handful of changes too. Team Virage’s #19 ORECA will be driven by Tristan Vautier again after he debuted for the team last time out at Spa. Matt Bell also returns after he was replaced by Wayne Boyd in the fourth round.
Oliver Jarvis also rejoins the series after an IMSA clash kept him out of the race weekend at Spa. He will once again team up with Andy Meyrick and Daniel Schneider in the #21 United Autosports 07.
Also of note in the class is that BMW Team RLL GTP driver Nick Yelloly remains in the #24 Nielsen ORECA after he replaced Albert Costa last month. The team was impressed with his performance in Belgium and has retained him for both Mugello and Portimao.
There are two items of note in LMP3. The DKR Duqueine has a TBA in its driver line-up alongside Alex Mattschull and Wyatt Brichacek after Belen Garcia walked away from the team before the race at Spa.
There’s also another change at Ultimate. Its rotating third chair is filled by Frenchman Louis Stern this time after Alexandre Yvon, Eric Trouillet, Paul Lanchere and Louis Rossi took part in the previous races.
And finally, in LMGT3, JMW Motorsport’s driver-crew has seen a significant change. Just Ben Tuck returns for round five following the withdrawal of John Hartshorne and Phil Keen.
This follows an announcement from Hartshorne that he is taking a permanent step back from racing after aggravating a back condition in his off at Spa.
The pair will be replaced by Barcelona 24 Hours winners Scott Noble and Jason Hart from the USA. This weekend in Italy will not be their first foray into an ACO paddock, as they took part in the Le Mans Cup race at Spa with Herberth.
The 4 Hours of Mugello will take place on the 27-29 September.
