Boyd to Make LMP2 Debut with United Autosports

Wayne Boyd has been confirmed as the final member of United Autosports’ LMP2 driver lineup for the upcoming European Le Mans Series season.

The 27-year-old will make his debut in the category, having spent the past two seasons driving a United-entered Ligier JS P3 Nissan.

Boyd will share the Anglo-American outfit’s Ligier JS P217 Gibson with Hugo de Sadeleer and Will Owen.

He tested the LMP2 car at Aragon in Spain last November, sharing duties with two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso.

Boyd’s new role means he will be unable to fulfill his previously-announced LMP3 drive in the Michelin Le Mans Cup. His replacement alongside Richard Meins will be confirmed shortly.

“We’ve been in the lucky position where we haven’t had to rush to get our driver lineups together so we could take our time to get the right ones in place,” said team co-owner and managing director Richard Dean.

“I’m really pleased Wayne can join our LMP2 team. The team are so pleased to be able to create this opportunity for one of our long term LMP3 drivers.

“He has progressed so well in LMP3, that we felt the time was right for him to step up.

Boyd first signed with United in 2016 for the team’s ELMS debut.

That year he finished fifth in the standings with three podiums, while in 2017 he claimed his first class victory.

Prior to racing in sports cars, Boyd was a regular in British Formula Ford and FF1600, winning the former championship in 2008.

“To be back with United for my third season was amazing and now I’ve been given this huge opportunity, I’ll be giving it absolutely everything,” said Boyd.

“I had a test with the team in LMP2 at Aragon last year and it went really well. I still have a lot to learn but I have two great team mates and an amazing team around me to help.

“I can’t thank Richard, Zak [Brown] and everyone involved enough.

“I’d also like to thank Richard Meins who I was originally driving with this year for his understanding. I can’t wait to get going now.”

United Autosports is entering four cars into this year’s ELMS, with two each in LMP2 and LMP3.

The team still has two drivers to announce for its two-car LMP2 entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Juan Pablo Montoya having been linked to one of the seats.