Shulzhitskiy Confirmed at Greaves for Remainder of Season

Photo: Nissan

Mark Shulzhitskiy will complete the remainder of the European Le Mans Series season with Greaves Motorsport, with the 2012 GT Academy Russia winner having been placed in the British squad’s Zytek Z11SN Nissan beginning with next weekend’s Four Hours of Red Bull Ring.

The 24-year-old, who is fresh off a starring performance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will share driving duties in the final three ELMS rounds with 2012 Formula Two champion Luciano Bacheta.

“Racing a P2 car is a big opportunity for me,” Shulzhitskiy said. “My recent experience at Le Mans was very special. Le Mans is such a fast, dangerous and unpredictable race. Coupled with that I was in a very fast car, with very fast team mates and a top team so the pressure was on for me. I learned a lot and just that one race has made me a lot stronger.”

Shulzhitskiy teamed with Alex Brundle and Jann Mardenborough for a fifth place finish in LMP2 at Le Mans last month, but only after suffering engine-related issues in the closing stages while leading its class.

According to Nissan’s Darren Cox, the Russian driver’s run at La Sarthe led to his drive with Greaves.

“If everyone was paying attention at Le Mans they will have noticed Mark’s pace,” Cox said. “I certainly noticed it and that is why he is now racing in the European Le Mans Series.”

Shulzhitskiy returns to Greaves after making his LMP2 debut with the Jacob Greaves-run squad in last year’s FIA World Endurance Championship round in Shanghai.

“I was very happy to get the chance to continue my P2 education with Greaves,” Shulzhitskiy added. “Jacob (Greaves) has built a very strong and friendly team and it is a great place for me to return to improve my skills. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys and getting down to work.”

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