Aston Martin Formula 1 Reserve Driver Felipe Drugovich has found a permanent race seat in the form of British outfit Vector Sport’s LMP2 entry into the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
Drugovich will pilot Vector’s Oreco-07 Gibson in the six-round ELMS campaign alongside co-drivers Ryan Cullen and Stephane Richelmi, after replacing the previously announced Gabriel Aubry.
This marks the 23-year-old Brazillian’s first full-time drive since winning the Formula 2 Championship in 2022.
In the interim period, Drugovich has had a sideline role as Aston’s F1 Reserve, which he will continue alongside his ELMS duties.
“I am really happy and motivated to have signed with Vector Sport to drive for them on the European Le Mans Series,” Drugovich said.
“I know the team’s history and quality and am very excited to get on track with them.
“I have met the team and was impressed with what I saw. I am sure that together with them, my fellow drivers Ryan Cullen and Stephane Richelmi, we can write a successful chapter with the No. 10 Oreca.
“Its good to know that I will be back in action in real races, bringing together my experience in racing and my fondness for endurance racing.
“My job as substitute and reserve driver with Aston Martin F1 continues with its full schedule, I will just be keeping busy on my weekends which up until now have been free.”
The move by Drugovich to suit up for an ELMS campaign tallies with his focus on keeping his options open for a coveted F1 drive.
The former F2 Champion allegedly turned down opportunities in IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing and Ed Carpenter Racing, along with a drive in Andretti’s FIA Formula E squad in favour of being retained as Aston’s Reserve in 2024.
However, with a seat reserved for Team Owner Lawrence Stroll’s son Lance, and the other potentially to be retained by two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso or another established driver if the Spaniard goes elsewhere, Drugovich’s F1 options at Silverstone appear limited.
Still, an ELMS campaign in an LMP2 prototype could put the Brazilian in pole position to snatch a Hypercar drive in Aston Martin’s Valkyrie project in 2025.
For now, Drugovich will race in ELMS and perform simulator and limited testing duties for Aston Martin in Formula 1, with FP1 sessions likely to come the Brazilian’s way also.
