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Petrov Completes Manor LMP2 Lineup

Petrov completes Manor six-driver FIA WEC lineup…

Photo: CEFC Manor TRS Racing

Photo: CEFC Manor TRS Racing

Vitaly Petrov has been confirmed as the sixth and final driver in CEFC Manor TRS Racing’s LMP2 lineup for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 32-year-old Russian entered the series with SMP Racing last season, finishing third in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This season the ex-Formula 1 driver is set to join the newly-renamed Manor outfit, alongside Roberto Gonzalez, Tor Graves, Simon Trummer, Jonathan Hirschi and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Driver pairings for the two-car effort have yet to be announced.

“We are very happy to have Vitaly join our team, it is great to add another big talent to our driver lineup,” said Manor Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon.

“Vitaly has experience in WEC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans so he is a very good addition to our team.

“We know Vitaly from our time in Formula 1, he is a very competitive driver and we are really looking forward to going racing with him in 2017.”

Petrov joins Manor representing the SMP program, which itself is not entering WEC this season as it focuses on its 2018 LMP1 entry with Dallara.

“I want to thank the SMP Racing program and personally [SMP owner] Boris Rotenberg for their support,” Petrov added.

“Also thanks to all my fans, who were eagerly awaiting my further participation in the championship. Together we are looking forward to the first race of the season.”

Manor only has one Oreca 07 Gibson at the Prologue this weekend. All of its drivers except for Petrov and Vergne are listed to test the car over the course of the weekend. 

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.

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