Lopez Joins Cool Racing LMP2 Effort

Cool Racing has signed Jose Maria Lopez to be part of its two-car LMP2 effort in the European Le Mans Series.

The Toyota WEC star will team up with single seater racer Vlad Lomko aboard the team’s Oreca 07 Gibson as part of an expanded two-car operation for the Nicolas Lapierre-led outfit.

For Lopez, who has almost been exclusive to Toyota’s FIA World Endurance Championship program since 2017, it will be the first venture into both the championship and the LMP2 class.

He will combine the new program with his continued involvement with the Japanese manufacturer’s Hypercar squad.

Lopez has history with Lapierre, the team’s managing director. The pair shared a Toyota TS050 Hybrid when the Argentinean made his debut outing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I am happy to be racing in ELMS, especially with this team and sharing it with Nicolas Lapierre,” Lopez said.

“I will bring my experience of both LMP1 and Hypercar. I am sure the competition will be great, everyone fighting with the same car.

“It looks exciting and I am looking forward to be on track.”

Lopez will be paired up with single seater graduate Vlad Lomko. The 18-year-old Russian, who races under a French license, is a race winner in Formula 4 and finished runner-up in Euroformula Open last year.

“I am extremely happy to join Cool Racing for the 2023 season,” added Lomko. “It’s a great team and I can definitely learn new skills and improve as a driver.

“I’m sure we can have some great results in LMP2 together and looking forward to a successful partnership!”

The team’s second car, entered in the Pro-Am category, will be piloted by Lapierre, team co-founder Alexandre Coigny and reigning ELMS LMP3 champion Malthe Jakobsen.