Jonathan Aberdein will make his first start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year as part of United Autosports’ three-car line-up.
The ex-DTM racer will partner Nico Jamin aboard the #32 ORECA 07-Gibson in the French endurance classic, with a third driver to be confirmed at a later date.
Aberdein transitioned to prototype racing for the 2021 after two seasons racing in the DTM. Alongside Tom Gamble and Phil Hanson, the South African driver has taken two podium finishes in the first three rounds of the European Le Mans Series.
“As we all know Le Mans is something special,” Aberdein said. “It is a race that I have watched from my couch every year without fail for as long as I can remember.
“It is a real dream come true to be part of the race this year, especially with United Autosports.
“I’m really looking forward to taking on the challenge with Nico and our third co-driver. We will have a great driver line up and a fantastic team leading the way.”
The Anglo-American squad is the reigning LMP2 champion heading into the 89th running of the twice-around-the-clock enduro, having taken the class win in 2020.
It is defending its crown with three cars. Alongside the #32 ORECA for Aberdein and Jamin, it has also entered the #22 full-season WEC car for Hanson, Fabio Scherer and Filipe Albuquerque and the #23 car for Paul di Resta, Alex Lynn and a third driver to be confirmed.
“Making your Le Mans debut is something special, so I’m really pleased for Jonathan that he will get to experience that feeling this year,” Richard Dean said. “Although he has only been with the team since the start of the year, he has settled in well and picked up the workings of the LMP2 car very quickly. I’m sure he will work well with Nico and will benefit from Nico’s Le Mans experience.”
