Piquet Jr in LMP2 return with United Autosport for 2023 ELMS

The inaugural Formula E champion, who finished second in the 2008 German Grand Prix for Renault, will join the prolific Anglo-American United squad co-owned by Zak Brown and Richard Dean to partner Andy Meyrick and Daniel Schneider in the LMP2 Pro-Am class.

It will be a first European programme for Piquet, the 2004 British Formula 3 champion, since his exit from the Jaguar FE team midway through the 2017-18 campaign.

“I’m really looking forward to be back racing in an LMP2 next year,” said the Brazilian.

“Daniel and I have raced in the past in Brazil, getting to know each other well, so I’m excited to get the chance to race with him once more.

“It’s good to have a long-term plan set out, and I think this Pro-Am entry will allow us to have a really successful future in racing together and maybe contest a Le Mans win!”

Piquet, who has been racing in Lamborghini Super Trofeo USA for the past two season alongside racing in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro series, last raced in LMP2 during the 2017 World Endurance Championship when he was part of Rebellion Racing’s short-lived stint in the class.

The 36-year-old put in a starting drive to finish second in class and third overall at the Le Mans 24 Hours, but was subsequently disqualified as the team had drilled a hole in the bodywork to negate a problem with the starter motor at pitstops that was deemed in violation of the car’s homologation.

He also took second at the Circuit of the Americas, then followed up with a brace of third places at the Shanghai and Bahrain rounds.

Nelson Piquet Jr, Daniel Schneider and Andy Meyrick

Photo by: United Autosports

Former Bentley factory GT racer Meyrick and Brazilian 48-year-old Schneider currently race together for United in the ELMS-supporting Michelin Le Mans Cup in an LMP3 Ligier. They began their partnership in 2020, achieving a podium at Paul Ricard that year.

BRDC Rising Stars Director Meyrick said: “Nelson’s record speaks for itself, so I am looking forward to driving alongside him. He and Daniel get on well, so I think we’ll be a strong line up in a competitive field, as the ELMS always is.

“There’s still a lot of work to do this season however, so we won’t be taking our eye off the ball as we continue to work hard and consistently finish on the podium in the Le Mans Cup.”

United currently runs an LMP2 car for 2020 ELMS champion Phil Hanson, Tom Gamble and Duncan Tappy, the trio finishing second in the most recent round at Imola.

United boss Dean added: “We are delighted to announce such a strong driver line-up so early in the season.

“Daniel and Andy have worked really well together in LMP3 and they both deserve the opportunity to step into LMP2.

“Nelson’s addition to this line-up is very exciting, he is experienced and fast and will be important in our fight for another LMP2 title.”