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Charouz Joins Sebastien Loeb Racing LMP2 Effort

Jan Charouz signs with Sebastien Loeb Racing for ELMS LMP2 campaign…

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Jan Charouz will make the switch to Sebastien Loeb Racing for 2014, having been confirmed Monday for the French squad’s European Le Mans Series LMP2 program.

The 26-year-old Czech, who competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Lotus LMP2 last year, will join Vincent Capillaire at the wheel of the team’s Oreca 03 Nissan for the five-round championship, which kicks off next month in Silverstone.

“After a complicated year, I was looking forward to better in 2014,” Charouz said. “I’ve already driven the Oreca 03, which is probably the best LMP2 available right now. The team is also up to par and very motivated. With this package, we will be in contention for good results.

“Winning is always the goal, even if we know the competition will be strong in LMP2. So far the tests have gone well. The car is handling well and Vincent Capillaire and I get along well.”

Charouz has already taken part in a test with the team and will return to the wheel of the cost-capped prototype contender during Tuesday and Wednesday’s official ELMS test at Paul Ricard.

Since his first laps with the team, he has confirmed his professionalism and his involvement,” said sporting director Franck Tine. “We are happy with his approach, his integration into the team and his collaboration with Vincent, who is progressing rapidly and who understands the car’s behavior well.”

While Rene Rast will join Charouz and the SO24!-backed Capillaire at this week’s test, the team has yet to announce its third full-season driver for the season. Rast, however, is among the drivers confirmed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans only.

Sebastien Loeb Racing will also field an Audi R8 LMS ultra in the ELMS this year, to be driven by Henry Hassid, Mike Parisy and a to-be-announced third driver.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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