Next weekend ex F1 driver Brendon Hartley finds himself at the 4 Hours of Silverstone, the opening round of the 2019/20 FIA World endurance Championship. This time Hartley will be driving for the Toyota GAZOO Racing team alongside team mates Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. They will be piloting the #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid in the LMP1 category.
Back in 2012, Hartley tested a Le Mans Prototype LMP2 car and went on to drive an Oreca 03 for Murphy Prototypes in the 2012 and 2013 European Le Mans Series as well as the 2012 (dnf) and 2013 (6th in class) 24 Hours of Le Mans races. Here’s the review of that first test from BB Media…
Hartley impresses in prototype debut (2012)
New Zealand racing driver Brendon Hartley has had a short but impressive test of a Le Mans Prototype LMP2 car at the Paul Ricard circuit in France recently, testing a Nissan powered Oreca 03s for Boutsen Ginion racing.
Prior to the test, Hartley had no experience in prototype race cars, however a test was organized through a good friend of Hartley’s. In the short amount of time Hartley had in the car he showed very good pace and consistency.
“I felt the test went really well,” said Hartley. “I really enjoyed the car, the power steering was a bit strange to get used but apart from that I felt right at home. The car had more downforce than I expected and was not so different compared to the single seaters I’m used to. The team were very professional and good to work with so it was a really enjoyable experience.”
Hartley is still looking to finalise plans for the 2012 season to complement his current simulator and testing work for a Formula One team. The 22-year old is looking at all options for 2012 and although Brendon enjoyed the LMP2 car and sees Le Mans Prototype as a serious option, he is also working on options to compete in single seaters where he is well known for his speed and results.
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