Di Resta Adds United ELMS Drive Alongside Peugeot Duties

Paul Di Resta will contest the European Le Mans Series with United Autosports this year alongside his FIA World Endurance Championship commitments for Peugeot.

The ex-Formula 1 driver has been confirmed in United’s No. 23 Oreca 07 Gibson alongside 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Guy Smith and Jim McGuire.

The entry is set to compete in the Pro-Am class due to McGuire’s status as an FIA Bronze-rated driver.

Di Resta is set for his first full ELMS season after being drafted into United’s lineup for the 2019 season opener.

The 36-year-old Scot also previously drove for the Anglo-American team in the WEC, taking a class win at Le Mans in 2020, before his call-up to the Peugeot Hypercar squad.

Di Resta and McGuire are already confirmed to share an Oreca in next month’s Asian Le Mans Series, giving the former a busy 17-race sports car schedule this year.

“Really happy to be back with United Autosports, carrying on what we’re going to do at the Asian Le Mans Series [and] in the European championship with Jim,” Di Resta said.

“Continuing the partnership with United, alongside my WEC duties, is an easy decision – it keeps me sharp, working to succeed as much as we can and hopefully, we’ll have some fun on the way.

“Thank you to Peugeot for giving me the opportunity to race with United – let’s make it a good 2023.”

McGuire is stepping up to the fastest type of machinery in ELMS after previously competing in the LMP3 class with United.

The American has driven the Oreca before in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where he teamed up with Smith and Wayne Boyd for some of the 2021 endurance rounds.

“Super excited to step up to the LMP2 class in the European Le Mans Series with United Autosports,” McGuire said.

“To have the chance to drive alongside two champions in Paul and Guy is a fantastic opportunity and I’m sure we’ll have a great year. I can’t wait to be back with the United team and get out on track.”

United Autosports co-owner Richard Dean added: “Jim has become an integral part of our team; this will be our eighth year racing together and we are sure to add more great moments on track and special memories.

“Jim, Guy and Paul are all great friends and great drivers and will be pushing hard for each other to get on the podium this year.”