Camathias Returns to Proton’s ELMS Roster

Joel Camathias will return to Proton Competition as part of its two-car entry to the European Le Mans Series.

The 37-year-old Swiss will embark on his third season racing with team boss Christian Ried, alongside previously confirmed new signing Dennis Olsen, behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 RSR.

Camathias and Ried first competed together in 2016 when they drove a KCMG-entered Porsche in the FIA World Endurance Championship, before switching to the ELMS with Proton last season.

Olsen, meanwhile, is joining the German outfit having won last year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Germany title.

The newly promoted Porsche Young Professional was announced as part of the team’s ELMS roster during the provisional entry list reveal in February.

“I am truly delighted to continue at the top level of GT racing, in a series as competitive as the ELMS,” said Camathias.

“Most of all, to continue for a third season with Proton Competition, which is not only a very professional team but also my second family.

“Together with the new Porsche racer for 2018, we will have a very strong and competitive package and we are determined to do even better than last year.”

Camathias and Ried won the final round of last year’s ELMS at Portimao with Porsche junior Matteo Cairoli, who is set to pilot Proton’s sister ELMS Porsche with two as-yet-unnamed drivers.

Proton Firms Up WEC Entry

Dempsey-Proton Racing’s crews for the FIA World Endurance Championship have also been partially confirmed.

Cairoli, Khaled Al Qubaisi and Giorgio Roda will share the No. 88 Porsche, while Ried and Matt Campbell are listed next to the No. 77 entry, with the identity of the Silver-rated driver still to be confirmed.

Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup France champion Julien Andlauer will turn laps in the No.77 car during the Prologue test at Paul Ricard next week.

Italy’s Roda is set to make his WEC debut this year, having graduated from a 2017 ELMS drive with the Spirit of Race Ferrari squad.

Roda’s father Gianluca contested a full ELMS campaign with Proton two years ago, driving a first-generation 911 RSR alongside Ried.