Formula Formula 1 and WTCC driver Tiago Montiero is set to complete Team ByKolles‘s LMP1 line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
He will share the ByKolles CLM P1/01 with the Pierre Kaffer and Simon Trummer, taking a short break from his World Touring Car Championship interests. Montiero last competed at Le Mans in 2011 with OAK Racing in the LMP1 class, and this will be his fifth start since 1999.
“I’m delighted to join ByKolles Racing for Le Mans, it’s an honour to be asked and I’m very grateful to Honda for temporarily releasing me from my obligations so that I can participate. I’ve competed in the race multiple times in the past and I love the event.
“I know the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and I’m confident that we will make the most of the race. Most of all I’m looking forward to testing in the car ahead of the race, we want to be as prepared as possible before the big day.”
In his last two Le Mans outings, – 2009 and 2011 – his team hasn’t been able to finish the race. However, in 2001, he finished 4th in GTS and in 1999, 6th in GTS. Montiero’s F1 career lasted two seasons, with his best finish being 3rd at the controversial 2005 United States Grand Prix. This year, he is currently 4th in the WTCC standings, after 3 wins and three 2nd places.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans race will take place on June 13/14.
