Hanley to Sub for United’s Albuquerque at Two Races

United Autosports has signed Ben Hanley to substitute for Filipe Albuquerque at the Portimao and Monza rounds of next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship season.

Albuquerque is unable to drive for the Anglo-American LMP2 team at those events because of date clashes with IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events that will form part of the Portuguese star’s GTP role with Wayne Taylor Racing.

Hanley is set for his first WEC appearance outside the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2021 when he completed the full season with DragonSpeed.

The British driver is an experienced LMP2 competitor, having represented DragonSpeed in both the WEC and European Le Mans Series, but the 6 Hours of Portimao in April will mark his first outing with United.

Hanley will share the No. 22 Oreca 07 Gibson with Phil Hanson and a third driver who is yet to be announced.

The 37-year-old drove for Nielsen Racing in ELMS this year and also represented the British team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Really excited to be joining United Autosports for two WEC races next season,” he said.

“After a brief test in Portimao where everyone made me feel really welcome, I’m looking forward to working with the
team again. Let’s bring back some silverware!”

Hanley’s signing with United for Portimao and Monza comes after the team confirmed Giedo van der Garde as Tom Blomqvist’s substitute in the No. 23 lineup.

Like Albuquerque, Blomqvist is a full-time Acura GTP driver and will be skipping the WEC races in Portugal and Italy as a result.

In addition to his WEC outings with United, Hanley is due to drive an Algarve Pro-run CrowdStrike Racing Oreca in the Rolex 24 at Daytona next month.

“Ben is another top-quality addition to our team and shows the level of determination we have to win races in 2023,” commented United Autosports CEO Richard Dean.

“Ben brings speed, experience and a no-nonsense approach to his racing that I love.

“I have been trying to get Ben in a United race car for quite some time, so we are all delighted to finally have this opportunity to race together.”