Cool to Run Dual ELMS Program with Addition of LMP3 Entry

Cool Racing will run a dual program in this year’s European Le Mans Series with the Swiss-flagged team confirming the addition of a Ligier LMP3 entry for Nicolas Maulini.

Cool Racing, which is now running independently under a new management structure led by Alexandre Coigny and former Toyota LMP1 driver Nicolas Lapierre, had already confirmed its presence on the ELMS LMP2 grid with an Oreca 07 Gibson.

The team has now added a Ligier JS P320 Nissan entry involving Maulini, who finished second in last year’s Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 standings.

The Swiss competitor’s co-drivers for the 2021 season have yet to be confirmed, although Maulini’s Le Mans Cup teammate Edouard Cauhaupe has already been signed by United Autosports for its LMP3 program.

Cool is planning to remain in the Le Mans Cup despite Maulini’s ELMS move, with a two-car entry currently envisaged. Its last ELMS LMP3 venture came in 2018 with a Ligier JS P3 Nissan driven by Coigny and Antonin Borga, who then progressed to LMP2.

“The LMP3 ELMS program is a new project for Cool Racing,” said team managing director and LMP2 driver Lapierre.

“It is a very competitive championship. We are delighted to have Nicolas Maulini as a Bronze driver in the crew, we know he is fast and rarely makes mistakes.

“We are very happy and excited to enter a Ligier JS P320 and we cannot wait to be at the official test in April. We will announce the full lineup shortly and we have big hopes for this season.”

Maulini has been competing in LMP3 machinery since 2017 and made his Le Mans Cup debut the following year with DB Autosport.

The 40-year-old then joined Cool Racing for its 2020 Le Mans Cup program and registered a strong season in partnership with Cauhaupe.

The duo won two races including the second part of the Road to Le Mans double-header held on the support bill to last September’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“After two seasons in Michelin Le Mans Cup, and a few races in ELMS LMP3 last year, my objective was to move up full time to that category with Cool Racing,” said Maulini.

“I really enjoyed our achievements together and I am happy that we have found an agreement for this season.

“I am used to the team management and their working methods, and I know the season will go well.

“I cannot wait for these four-hour races. We will be targeting strong results, with podiums or even more in 2021.”