Frenchman Gary Chalandon has been confirmed as the second driver at Team Bruichladdich, alongside Karim Ojjeh.
As well as running in Formula Le Mans – winning the title with DAMS – the 24-year-old was part of the British based team's effort at the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours, where the team, running Zytek chassis, finished tenth overall and fifth in the LMP2 category. The Zytek remains for 2011, but the team switch to Nismo power for the season under the new regulations. Chalandon will be part of the teams for the Le Mans Series and, pending an invite to the event the Le Mans 24 Hours
“I am very happy to join the Team that I raced in my first 24 hour of Le Mans,” said Chalandon. “For them to trust me with the car with very little experience gave me great confidence in myself and the Team. The way they manage the races and the car makes them, for me, one of the best Teams. I will continue my physical training and hope to drive in some other competitions, which the Team have readily agreed that I may do.”
“I am personally very happy to have Gary as a co-driver for next year,” Ojjeh enthused. “At Le Mans he proved to be a very thorough driver bringing the car safely at every end of his stint, which is the most important part of Le Mans. He will continue to work on his race speed in 2011, especially in “sprint” style LMS races, as the competition will be tough (I will need to do the same!).”
Jacob Greaves, team manager adds; “It is great to have Gary in the team for next season. He drove faultlessly in this year’s 24 hour race. We now need a third driver to complete our line up. We are now working hard on the winter rebuild and new engine installation and I think we will have a strong package for next year”
