Algarve Pro Signs Viscaal to Partner Floersch

Bent Viscaal will make his debut in the European Le Mans Series, signing with Algarve Pro Racing to be part of its lineup for the No. 19 Oreca 07 Gibson.

The Dutch racer will drive alongside Sophia Floersch in the second of two cars entered by the Portuguese outfit.

Viscaal makes the transition from single-seater racing, having competed in multiple junior open-wheel series over the past few years.

In 2020, he took a race victory in Formula 3 before graduating to Formula 2, where he scored two podium finishes.

“I’m really looking forward to the 2022 season because it has been a long winter break and switching to Le Mans Prototypes will be a big change for me,” Viscaal said.

“I’m super excited about the challenge and I’m confident we will be a strong and competitive driver line-up, capable of hitting the ground running in Le Castellet.”

The third driver to race alongside Floersch and Viscaal remains yet to be confirmed.

The 22-year-old will be making his endurance racing debut at the season opener at Circuit Paul Ricard on April 17, having previously only raced single-seaters.

“The speed isn’t too different from what I’m used to in Formula 2, but there will certainly be a lot to learn, especially as one of the biggest skills I’ll need in multi-class racing is effective traffic management,” Viscaal added.

“Nevertheless, I’m sure I will adapt quickly.

“I’m doing as much preparation as possible and I’m going into the season with an open mind and a desire to learn from my teammates, to ensure I have all the speed and consistency I need.

“It’s difficult to say where we will be in terms of performance because it’s clearly a very competitive entry with some really good and experienced drivers, but I always aim to be on top and in the fight for podiums.”

Algarve Pro Racing will be field a pair of Oreca LMP2 cars in the championship, with its No. 45 Pro-Am entry set to be driven by John Falb, James Allen and Alex Peroni.

It is also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Steven Thomas, Rene Binder and James Allen.