Saintéloc Junior Team has named the drivers that will contest the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint Cup rounds this year in its #25 Audi R8 LMS GT3 in the Gold Cup class.
Paul Evrard, Gilles Magnus and Jim Pla will feature throughout the season, with Evrard and Magnus set to contest every round, joined by Pla for the endurance races.
Magnus returns to Sainteloc having competed with it in the Sprint Cup back in 2022 and the Asian Le Mans Series over the winter.
“I’m delighted to be back with Saintéloc in 2024,” he said. “I know the team well, having done a season in Sprint and also the Asian Le Mans Series this winter. We’re getting to know each other well, the mechanics, the engineers and all the team members, so that’s always an advantage. I’m also delighted to see Paul again.
“I saw him develop last year as a competitor and I hope we can make progress this season. He knows the car better and better, so I think he’ll be competitive. Our knowledge of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 will be an asset. In Endurance racing, Jim Pla’s experience will be important. He’s a driver you can trust. It’s a really nice car that will be competitive. Our objectives are clear: to be out in front in the Gold Cup and to try to win the title. It won’t be easy.”
Evrard meanwhile, returns to Sainteloc for a second season and expects to fight for the Gold Cup title.
“Gilles knows the Audi and the team, and I’m sure Jim will help us achieve our endurance title objective,” he added. “As for the Sprint, I have no doubt that Gilles and I will be at the front of the field. I’m looking forward to the start of the season, and I’d like to thank Sébastien (Chetail, the team owner) for putting together such a great team.”
Pla says his deal came together late. He brings World Challenge Europe and Super Trofeo experience to the team.
“This programme was a bit last-minute, but I’d like to thank Sébastien Chetail for letting me test the Audi – Saintéloc during the Prologue,” he said.
“I was surprised by the car in a good way. What I discovered was a bit expected, given my experience with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, but I found the good points, with a lot of downforce. It clearly made me want to take part in the season, also with a team with whom I got on very well on a human level. I also got to know Gilles, with whom the contact was great.
“I’d already known Paul for several years, during the FFSA GT period. The Gold Cup will be very tough, but we’ve got a crew that could be really interesting.”
For the opening round of the World Challenge Europe season at Paul Ricard this weekend the entry currently lists a second Sainteloc Audi R8 (#26). However the car has no drivers listed and hasn’t been designated to a category. DSC understands that it will not take part in the event.
