United Autosports has firmed up one of its two LMP2 lineups for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Ben Keating, Filipe Albuquerque and Ben Hanley set to share its No. 23 ORECA 07 as a Pro/Am trio.
“To bring together the experience, skill and determination of not one but three proven Le Mans winners is phenomenally exciting as we prepare for our debut in the LMP2 Pro/Am class,” says Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO. “Le Mans is always exciting … never straightforward, but with this driver lineup, we are making our intentions very clear.”
This announcement ensures a return appearance by 2023 FIA World Endurance LMGTE Am champion and Le Mans class winner Keating. It will be the Texan’s 10th Le Mans start and his first with United Autosports.
“The Pro/Am field in LMP2 is looking very strong,” said Keating, “with a lot of winners taking the wheel. This is really fun for me. I can’t wait to tackle this challenge with United Autosports, Filipe and Ben. We all have a lot of experience and that makes a big difference in this race.”
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The sought-after Bronze-graded racer will team up with his 2024 IMSA co-driver Hanley in one of six LMP2 Pro/Am entries at Le Mans. The UK driver celebrated LMP2 Pro/Am class victory at Le Mans in 2021 and is currently racing with United Autosports in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and European Le Mans Series.
Albuquerque has raced at Le Mans every year with United Autosports since the team made its debut in 2017, achieving a class victory and three top-four finishes along the way.
“Another year, another Le Mans with United Autosports! It’s just amazing … I’m super happy to be racing with this great team that I’ve been racing with for the last eight years. Ben Hanley … we raced together when we were in go-karts, and now we meet again.
“And Ben Keating… he is a superstar of LMP2. For sure, he has more miles than me and he knows Le Mans really well. He has one more victory than me! I have immense respect for him and his drive to keep pushing harder and harder.”
The Pro driver lineup for the team’s No. 22 entry will be revealed at a later date. In addition to its pair of LMP2 class ORECAs United Autosports will also field a pair of McLaren GT3 Evos in the LMGT3 class as part of its full-season WEC program.