2020 GTE Champion Picariello Returns in Absolute Lineup

2020 European Le Mans Series GTE champion Alessio Picariello will return to the class this year as part of Absolute Racing’s Porsche crew for the six-round season.

Picariello will share ELMS debutant Absolute’s Proton-run Porsche 911 RSR-19 with Martin Rump and Andrew Haryanto, who is the designated Bronze-rated driver.

The Belgian driver won the 2020 title in a Proton Porsche alongside Michele Beretta and Christian Ried, but last year raced in the NLS and a couple of FIA World Endurance Championship rounds including the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Haryanto.

“I am really happy to be back in ELMS after winning the championship in 2020,” said Picariello.

“I really wanted to be back. It is a different challenge this year and my motivation is as high as it was back then. I’m excited to work with Absolute Racing and Andrew again.

“We had a strong Le Mans and two FIA WEC events, and I feel we have a solid package with Martin on board. With Absolute Racing, Proton, and the ELMS comeback, it’s a program with a lot of history. I am looking forward to it.”

Rump is set for his ELMS debut, having primarily competed in Asia during recent years.

The Estonian was signed as an Audi Sport Asia driver in 2019, in a role that led to him representing Absolute in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS.

Last year he made a handful of European GT3 appearances including the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa with Lamborghini outfit Vincenzo Sospiri Racing.

Haryanto is also driving in ELMS for the first time but got acquainted with the GTE-spec Porsche in WEC last year.

“We’re very happy to see Andrew and Absolute Racing take on the 2022 ELMS together with Alessio,” said Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific managing director Alexandre Gibot.

“It’s amazing for the former Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Selected Driver to continue to compete with Porsche, and especially with a customer from the Asia-Pacific region.

“Alessio has plenty of experience in the RSR and in ELMS, winning the title in 2020 and of course racing alongside Andrew at Le Mans last year. Best of luck to the team for the season to come!”