Hanson, Gamble to Continue in No. 22 United Oreca

United Autosports has confirmed that Phil Hanson and Tom Gamble will return to the team’s No. 22 Oreca 07 Gibson entry in the European Le Mans Series this year.

Hanson is set for his fifth season with the Anglo-American squad in ELMS while Gamble is gearing up for his third after prior campaigns in LMP3 and the top LMP2 category.

Their co-driver for the six-round season, which begins at Paul Ricard in April, is set to be announced early next week.

Gamble was previously the designated Silver-rated driver in the No. 22 crew but his promotion to Gold status in the new year means the third team member will be a Silver.

Hanson, Gamble and Jonathan Aberdein finished second in last year’s championship standings and took four podiums including a win at the 4 Hours of Portimao finale.

The run came as part of United’s title defense after Hanson won the 2020 title alongside Filipe Albuquerque. 

“Phil and Tom worked really well together last year so I’m pleased we were able to get a deal together so they could return to the ELMS for another shot at the championship title,” commented United Autosports managing director Richard Dean.

“They were unlucky last year but they were consistently on the podium, showing they had winning credentials at the final round. That’s something we are going to build on this year and go for the championship title once again.”

Hanson suggested that United has “a lot of unfinished business” in the ELMS after its second-place finish in the standings last year. 

“Our only goal this season is to win,” he said. “I’m excited to be going back into a competitive lineup and we have the opportunity to get back the title I won in 2020.”

Gamble added: “I’m super excited to be back in the ELMS for my third season.

“Last year we finished second so the goal is to go one place higher and I think we’ve got the package to do that as we proved at the end of last year.

“It will be good to go to some new tracks and I’ve never raced at Imola, which I’m looking forward to. I just can’t wait for it to get underway.”