United Autosports has confirmed the return of Will Owen for its 2019 European Le Mans Series Campaign, which includes an entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Owen first joined the Anglo-American outfit in 2017, competing in ELMS and making his debut in the French endurance classic and scored a podium finish at Le Mans in 2018 alongside Juan Pablo Montoya and Hugo de Sadeleer. For 2019, the 24-year-old will be teaming up with Alex Brundle and Ryan Cullen, driving the #32 Ligier JS P217. The team's #22 sister car will be piloted by Filipe Albuquerque and Phil Hanson.
Owen's commitments with Juncos Racing, which have already seen him compete in the Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours means he will be forced to sit out the ELMS' opening round at Paul Ricard, as it clashes with the third round of the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship at Long Beach in April.
“I am excited to announce that I will return to Europe this year with United Autosports," said Owen. "I will be back in the #32 car, but this time with Ryan Cullen and Alex Brundle. I thought that I would have to wait a bit longer to be back with this fantastic team, but this opportunity came quickly."
"The chance to run in ELMS again with a fast line up of drivers and a competitive car is something I could never pass up. At the beginning of the year, I was not looking for other driving opportunities given my commitment with Juncos Racing, but after Daytona I realised again that any race laps I can get will continue to improve my pace and help me become the best driver I can be.
"Right now, I am more motivated than ever to put the time into that goal and re-joining a winning environment that I am comfortable with will provide more invaluable experience."
"I owe a big thanks to United Autosports and their sponsors. Without their help I could not have returned to this program so quickly. I am glad that our past work together has helped open this door. I will miss the first race which conflicts with Long Beach, but afterthat I will be all in for the last five rounds of ELMS.”
Team owner Zak Brown commented: “It’s great to have completed our driver line ups for 2019 and signing Will is a great addition once again to the team. We have four very strong line ups in the ELMS this year so podiums, wins and championships is our aim.”
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