McLaren development driver Oliver Turvey has joined the line up for Jota Sport to compete in the European Le Mans Series alongside selected rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship including Le Mans 24 hours, pending an invitation from the ACO.
“We are thrilled to start 2013 by announcing the signing of Oliver Turvey.” said team principal Sam Hignett. “Needless to say, it’s fantastic to have secured a driver of his undoubted ability and pedigree.”
Turvey will join regular driver Simon Dolan in the Zytek-Nissan LMP2 following on from a promising 2012 season which saw the McLaren test driver in a dual role of reserve for the Formula 1 team and competing in selected GT races in a MP4-12C. The highlight of his season coming at the 6 hours of Spa when he took a LMP2 class victory and impressed at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Hignett added “In particular, we are delighted to have gained Oliver’s superb engineering knowledge and acumen. Despite his young age he can teach us a great deal, and I know that Simon as well as the technical team are eager to begin working with him.
“What’s more, signing Oliver is a clear indication of Jota’s ambition to succeed at the highest levels of world motorsport. By securing one of the most promising young talents available, we have made it clear that our goal for this year is to fight at the very front from the opening race and challenge for the championship.”
Turvey admits that he has been impressed with the team facilities and preparation so far for the 2013 season and can’t wait to get behind the wheel competing at ‘the highest level’.
“I am thrilled and delighted to be joining Jota Sport for the 2013 season” said Turvey. “I am extremely excited to begin working with the team and can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the LMP2 car. I would like to thank Simon and Sam for putting their trust and support behind me. I look forward to a successful season with Jota Sport.
“I would also like to thank Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for their continued support and allowing me to pursue this opportunity alongside my test driver role with the team. I am confident the experience I have working with one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 will benefit me in my preparations for LMP2.”
While the third seat remains vacant the team are in discussions and are expected to make an announcement soon with the first race of the European Le Mans Series at Silverstone on April 13.
