Aitken to Make LMP2 Debut with Racing Team Turkey

Formula 1 reserve driver Jack Aitken will make his prototype racing debut this year, driving for the TF Sport-run Racing Team Turkey operation in the European Le Mans Series.

Aitken, who was a backup and development driver for Williams last season, has been named as a new addition to the No. 34 Oreca 07 Gibson roster for TF Sport’s second year in ELMS alongside the returning Charlie Eastwood and Salih Yoluc.

FIA Formula 2 race winner Aitken ventured into sports cars last year and secured a drive with Lamborghini GT3 squad Emil Frey Racing.

He embarked on a season that covered both the Endurance and Sprint elements of Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, but his campaign was impacted by the recovery from injuries sustained in an accident at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.

Sportscar365 understands that Aitken is in line to continue in GT3 racing his year, as well as venturing into prototypes for the first time.

“It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while and a championship that I’ve been watching,” said the 26-year-old.

“It’s really exciting to be joining Salih and Charlie and to get in a car that clearly has pace, we can definitely compete for podiums and wins. I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing what we can do.”

Experienced GT racing of TF Sport made its LMP2 debut in 2021 with a program funded by its 24 Hours of Le Mans class-winning customer Yoluc.

Harry Tincknell teamed up with Yoluc and Eastwood for the majority of last season’s rounds, while American open-wheel prospect Logan Sargeant replaced the Brit for two of the races and claimed a pole on his LMP2 debut at the Red Bull Ring.

“Now we have a year of running the LMP2 under us, we are confident that we can greatly improve on last season’s results,” said team principal Tom Ferrier.

“Jack is a great asset to add to the lineup and alongside Salih and Charlie, I’m sure he can have a successful prototype debut.

“We were in contention for the LMP2 Pro-Am title for the majority of last season and we will be pushing even harder this year to take that fight to the final round.”

Yoluc added: “I can’t wait to get back into the seat of the Racing Team Turkey LMP2!

“We had a strong debut season with a race win and podiums, but I know we can improve on that this year. It’s great to bring Jack to the team and with his pace and racing experience, we will be looking for podiums from the off.”