Mercedes Formula 1 strategist James Vowles is set to contest this month’s Asian Le Mans series.
Vowles has been a long-term member of Mercedes’ Formula 1 team, joining in the 2000s prior to the manufacturer’s return, and has been its chief strategist throughout its title run.
The four-event Asian Le Mans series will take place at Dubai Autodrom and Yas Marina Circuit across February 12/13 and February 19/20.
Vowles will get behind the wheel of the #59 McLaren 720S GT3 for the Garage 59 team.
He will partner Manuel Maldonado and Nicolai Kjærgaard for the championship.
“I’m really happy with the driver line-ups we’ve secured for Asian Le Mans,” said Garage 59 team boss Andrew Kirkaldy.
“We’re all looking forward to getting started with the McLaren 720S and hopefully getting our first win of the season. For sure it will also be handy to have one of F1’s best strategists in the team.”
Vowles will return to his day job with Mercedes ahead of the 2022 season.
Two bits of interest:
1. Why is a member of the Mercedes team driving a McLaren?
2. Is Manuel Maldonado any relation to Pastor Maldonado?