LM: Drayson to realise LMP1 Le Mans dream

Paul Drayson will realise a lifelong dream in June after the ACO confirmed that his team, Drayson Racing, will compete at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LMP1 class.

The British team made its Le Mans debut last season in the GT2 category with an Aston Martin Vantage, but will graduate to the premier LMP1 prototype class in 2010 with a Lola-Judd Coupe.

"The ACO announcement is great news,” Drayson said. “In my head I've imagined what it's going to be like racing down the Mulsanne at night - and probably in the wet - at top speed in an LMP1 and now I'm going to be doing it for real; totally, totally incredible. Brilliant news!"

Drayson will join his long-time team-mate Jonny Cocker for the famous twice-around-the-clock enduro, while a third driver will be named shortly to complete the line-up.

"It's a dream come true to receive an invitation to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP1 class,” said Team Manager Dale White. “We're a small team but we have assembled what we think is the best crew and car package for a privateer to challenge for the overall win at Le Mans against the top factory and privateer teams in the world.

“It will be a massive test but one we are approaching with a level head and high expectations. We are going to do everything we can to be the 'David' to their 'Goliath'."

The team will begin its season at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March and will also race in the other eight American Le Mans Series rounds as well as the Silverstone 1000kms in September and Asian Le Mans Series at the end of the year.

Watch the American Le Mans Series on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) in 2010.


Andy Wilkinson