Lapierre Joins ART Grand Prix For Paul Ricard and Spa

ART Grand Prix announced today that Toyota works driver Nicolas Lapierre will join the team in the Blancpain Endurance Series.

The 30-year-old Frenchman replaces Alexandre Prémat in the No. 98 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 for the next two rounds of the series. Lapierre will team up with Grégoire Demoustier and McLaren works driver Alvaro Parente.

“I have participated twice in the 24 Hours of Spa and I loved this magical event and can’t wait to do it again with ART Grand Prix and Toyota providing me the opportunity to do so. ART Grand Prix offering me a seat and Toyota allowing me to accept it so I would like to thank both great manufacturers for their action,” Lapierre said.

“I have known Frédéric Vasseur for a long time and we have always had an excellent relationship. I hold ART Grand Prix in high esteem and I know the drivers I will team up with, Alvaro Parente and Grégoire Demoustier, particularly well. They are friends and great professionals. It is a pleasure and an honor to meet this challenge with them in the Blancpain Endurance Series.”

ART Grand Prix Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur is looking forward to working together with Lapierre.

“Nicolas Lapierre is a driver who displays such fantastic natural talent at every opportunity he is presented with. He has achieved great things, both in singleseaters and endurance racing. ART Grand Prix is very pleased to welcome him to the Blancpain Endurance Series key events where his expertise will be a major asset,” Vasseur said.

“I also want to thank Alexandre Prémat for his active participation in the early part of the season. He played a big role in our victory at Monza and I hope we have another opportunity to work together.”

Kevin Estre, Kevin Korjus and Andy Soucek will remain together in the No. 99 McLaren MP4-12C GT3.