Piquet Jr. Set for LMP2 Return with United Autosports

Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. has booked his return to the LMP2 class as a member of United Autosports’ first confirmed lineup for next year’s European Le Mans Series.

Piquet, who last drove an LMP2 prototype in 2017, will team up with former Bentley factory driver Andy Meyrick and Bronze-rated Daniel Schneider in a Pro-Am entry.

The trio will share an Oreca 07 Gibson run by the team that won the 2020 ELMS title with Filipe Albuquerque and Phil Hanson.

Piquet Jr., who raced for the Renault F1 team in 2008 and 2009, contested the FIA World Endurance Championship five years ago with Vaillante Rebellion.

He currently drives for ANSA Motorsports in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and took victory in one of the races at NOLA Motorsports Park last weekend.

“I’m really looking forward to be back racing in an LMP2 next year,” said Piquet Jr.

“Daniel and I have raced in the past in Brazil, getting to know each other well, so I’m excited to get the chance to race with him once more.

“It’s good to have a long-term plan set out, and I think this Pro-Am entry will allow us to have a really successful future in racing together and maybe contest a Le Mans win!”

Schneider and Meyrick have been racing United-run LMP3 machinery together in the Michelin Le Mans Cup and are now set to elevate their partnership into LMP2.

“It’s a dream come true, racing in the ELMS next year with two of my good friends Andy and Nelson in an LMP2 car,” said Schneider.

“The plan is to stay with United for many more years, having seen three seasons through with them already in the LMP3, Le Mans Cup.

“I am excited for next year to get underway and I have my hopes set on a successful year and the chance to maybe race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans one day.”

The entry announced on Friday marks United Autosports’ first commitment to the LMP2 Pro-Am category, which debuted in the ELMS last year.

The British squad fielded two LMP2 cars last season before scaling back to a single car effort this year, as it expanded its WEC operation to a two-car Oreca stable.

“We are delighted to announce such a strong driver lineup so early in the season,” said team co-owner Richard Dean.

“Daniel and Andy have worked really well together in LMP3 and they both deserve the opportunity to step into LMP2.

“Nelson’s addition to this line-up is very exciting, he is experienced and fast and will be important in our fight for another LMP2 title.”