Mondini Launches WEC LMP2 Team

A new team will be on the grid in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year, spearheaded by ex-Formula One test driver Giorgio Mondini. (En Français)

Mondini confirmed to Endurance-Info plans to enter the LMP2 class with either a Ligier JS P217 or Dallara LMP2, with the 36-year-old Swiss confirmed as one of the drivers.

While the name of the team has yet to be confirmed, longtime team owner/manager Benoit Morand will be involved in the project.

“The decision on the chassis will be taken very soon,” Mondini told Endurance-Info. “I know the folks at Ligier, having worked with them on the LMP3 program. In addition, I have great sympathy for Jacques [Nicolet].

“Dallara is a new [constructor] and I think the track will be good because we should see fewer Dallaras in 2017 [compared to] Ligier and Orecas.

“If I was reasonable, I would wait another year to see what the best chassis is but I still want to drive, so I want to be ready for next year.”

The former A1GP and Formula Renault 3.5 driver returned to sports car racing this year, driving for Eurointernational in the European Le Mans Series and is fresh off overall victory in last weekend’s Six Hours of Rome in the team’s Ligier JS P3.

Should the team opt for Dallara, it’s understood it could include several members of the Eurointernational team.

Mondini, meanwhile, hasn’t ruled out the team making its debut in January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, although time is running out to finalize a program.

“Daytona is in the pipeline, but you have to have the right crew and budget,” he said. “[However], this would prepare the team for the WEC season.”

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