British team CRS Racing has announced the three drivers who will drive for the team in their second season in the Le Mans Series. A single Ferrari 430 will represent the team in the GTE Am class, alongside the team's commitments in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC).
Using older GT2-spec cars, such as the 430, the GTE Am class opens the Le Mans Series to amateur drivers, CRS opting to promote Klaas Hummel to their LMS line-up. Hummel is a familiar face to the team, having driven for the team in the International GT Open and FIA GT3 categories – the split in the GT2 class in the LMS gives Hummel the chance to move up to the endurance series.
The Dutchman will be joined by Phil Quaife. Though only 24 Quaife has progressed through the sportscar ranks, including campaigns in the Porsche Carerra Cup GB and British GT Championship, before joining CRS Racing for 2009, a move that saw him become part of last year's Le Mans Series team.
“It's the best championship I've ever raced in,” says Quaife of the LMS. “The standard of competition is extremely high and the challenge of the six-hour races is tough for the drivers, the teams and the cars! We had a bit of bad luck last year but we're ready to come back and fight for the title in 2011.”
Completing the line-up in the no.82 car is Adam Christodoulou, returning to Europe after two years racing in America. Since winning the Formula Renault UK title – with CRS – in 2008 Christodoulou have increasingly leaned towards GT racing, lately forming part of a Mazda GT team in the Rolex Series.
“I'm with a team that I know well,” he says. “Driving a car that they know well. I think we have a strong line-up and every chance of taking some good results this year, especially as anything can happen in those long races. To be racing in the Le Mans Series will be a great challenge too, competing against some of the world's top drivers. I'm looking forward to getting back in the car next month to start testing.”
“I think we're capable of mounting a challenge for the title,” assesses Quaife. “Klaas has good experience with the team and the car from the GT Open last year, while Adam is a very quick driver who has adapted brilliantly to racing GT cars.”
The team are expected to take part in the official LMS test day at Paul Ricard on March 11-12, before the season begins with a six hour event at the French track on April 3.
