Fittipaldi Confirmed in Inter Europol LMP2 Entry

Photo: MPS Agency

Pietro Fittipaldi is set for a return to the European Le Mans Series as part of an all-new lineup with Inter Europol Competition.

The Haas Formula 1 test and reserve driver will join ex-DTM and United Autosports LMP2 driver Fabio Scherer and Silver-rated David Heinemeier Hansson in the Polish squad’s Oreca 07 Gibson for the six-round season that kicks off at Paul Ricard in April.

Fittipaldi was due to contest the full ELMS schedule last year but was replaced by Roberto Merhri in G-Drive Racing by APR’s Aurus 01 Gibson following the opening round due to his clashing open-wheel commitments.

The 25-year-old grandson of two-time Formula 1 world champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson is set for his first full-season program in prototype competition after his aborted 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign with DragonSpeed due to sustaining multiple leg fractures in a qualifying accident for the 6 Hours of Spa.

“I am excited to be racing for Inter Europol Competition in the ELMS championship,” Fittipaldi said.  “Together with David and Fabio, we have a strong line-up to be fighting at the front with the aim of winning the championship. 

“I will also continue as reserve and test driver for the Haas F1 team so it is going to be a busy season, but I am very much looking forward to it.”

Heinemier Hansson, meanwhile, is set for his first full-season sports car racing effort since the 2018-19 WEC season and his return to LMP2 competition.

“[I’m] thrilled to get back into LMP2 after a bit of a break,” he said. “We have a strong team with Inter Europol Competition to fight for the ELMS championship.

“After driving IMSA and WEC seasons for many years, I’m excited to compete in a series where we’ll be driving for overall wins in the LMP2 class.”

Scherer added: “With the lineup we have a solid base and a good potential to go for podium places and do very well in the championship.”

Inter Europol plans to field a total of three cars in the ELMS this year, with two previously announced LMP3 entries.

“A warm welcome to Pietro, David and Fabio. For us, entering the LMP2 in the ELMS was the logical next step,” said team manager Sascha Fassbender.

“We now have three very good drivers under contract and look forward to play a strong role in the LMP2 field. We would also like to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a second car. We are obviously keeping our fingers crossed for this.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John