Jan Charouz has joined Sebastien Loeb Racing for the 2014 European Le Mans Series alongside Vincent Capillaire.
Charouz, 26, joins Sebastien Loeb Racing after stints with ADR-Delta at Le Mans, and hopes to do well after a difficult year in 2013.
“I’m very happy to be joining Sébastien Loeb Racing,” said Charouz, who won the F3000 International Masters series in 2006. “After a complicated year, I was looking forward to better in 2014. I’ve already driven the ORECA 03, which is probably the best LMP2 available right now. The team is also up to par and very motivated. With this package, we will be in contention for good results.
“Winning is always the goal, even if we know the competition will be strong in LMP2. So far the tests have gone well. The car is handling well and Vincent Capillaire and I get along well.
“The first feelings are positive, in as much as I already know some people within the team, such as Sébastien Loeb, Léo Thomas (technical director) and Franck Tiné (sporting director).”
Speaking of Charouz, who was Le Mans Series champion in 2009 with Aston Martin Racing, Tiné said: “With our technical staff, led by Léo Thomas, the Michelin tires and the ORECA 03, we have our goals set high.
“Jan’s qualities correspond to our objectives. With his experience, his collaborations with factory teams and notably his championship title, his contributions will be important. Since his first laps with the team he has confirmed his professionalism and his involvement. We are happy with his approach, his integration into the team and his collaboration with Vincent, who is progressing rapidly and who understands the car’s behaviour well.
“Jan’s arrival also fits perfectly with the international direction the team is taking.”
The team have also announced that a third driver for the No.24 ORECA 03-Nissan will be announced in the near future after a two day test at Paul Ricard.
