24h Le Mans
French driver Andrea Pizzitola triumphed in the Renault Sport Trophy in 2015 and will be joining the Algarve Pro Racing crew for four rounds of the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, backed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The Japanese constructor also supplies the engine for the Portuguese team's Ligier JS P2.
Earlier this week, Algarve Pro Racing’s Ligier JS P2 benefited from the pull-out of another competitor to move up from the reserves to the entry list for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Michael Munemann was the only driver confirmed until Renault announced that Andrea Pizzitola will compete in four of the six rounds in the 2016 ELMS (Red Bull Ring, Le Castellet, Spa and Estoril) as well as the Le Mans endurance classic, following on a from the statement made by the French carmaker when R.S.01 was launched.
Pizzitola has been promoted to “Alliance Athlete” status and will be the reserve driver for the first two legs of the season at Silverstone and Imola. He has also been appointed as development driver for Renault R.S.01. He will head for Camp Nissan at Silverstone to gear up for the upcoming season with a training programme including fitness, psychological preparation and simulator work.
Andrea Pizzitola, Algarve Pro Racing driver: It is a real honour to represent the Renault-Nissan Alliance this season. I want to thank both Renault Sport and Nissan for this wonderful opportunity that will allow me to live out a childhood dream of participating in the 24-Hours of Le Mans. The first tests with Algarve Pro Racing Team were promising. Thanks to the excellent level of the Renault Sport Trophy and the technical qualities of the Renault Sport R.S. 01, I took my driving to the next level. This allowed me to quickly adapt to the LM P2 car, which was quickly confirmed in the lap times. I am hungry for success and look forward to transforming the confidence the Renault-Nissan Alliance is showing in me to victories.
After the two-day ELMS Official Test, Algarve Pro Racing will have to make a decision on the rest of its squad, while Andrea Pizzitola will be off to Silverstone to follow the first race of the 2016 ELMS season from the pits.
Cécile Bonardel / ACO | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth (quote from the Renault Sport press release)
PHOTO: 2015 Renault Sport Trophy Elite champion Andrea Pizzitola will represent the Renault-Nissan Alliance with Algarve Pro Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
