G-Drive Racing's link-up with manufacturer Aurus 'only the start'

The reigning European Le Mans Series entrant's deal to defend its title under the Aurus banner in 2019 is "only the start" of the relationship, according to G-Drive Racing manager and driver Roman Rusinov.

The deal with the Aurus marque, which launched last year, will result in G-Drive's LMP2 ORECA-Gibson 07 racing as the Aurus 01 in this year's ELMS, as well as at the Le Mans 24 Hours and Spa rounds of the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship.

"This is the beginning of a big adventure in motorsport for Aurus and it is fantastic that they have chosen G-Drive Racing to promote the brand," Rusinov told Autosport.

"Our mission is to promote Aurus in motorsport and grow this project into something much bigger and exciting — there is definitely really cool stuff coming soon."

Asked if that could encompass the new WEC hypercar concept category due to come into force for 2020/21 season, Rusinov said: "It is an interesting direction, but I cannot say anything more.

"Let's get started this year and then we will evaluate future projects to see where we can get support and where we can be successful."

The first Aurus model, the Senat limousine, was unveiled on the inauguration of Russian president Vladimir Putin at the start of his fourth term last year and also shown at last month's Geneva motor show.

The Senat has been developed by the Central Scientific Research and Automotive Engines Institute and is the first of a planned range of models.

G-Drive will kick off the defence of its ELMS crown with the TDS Racing squad at Paul Ricard on April 14 with Norman Nato taking the place of Jean-Eric Vergne alongside Rusinov and Job van Uitert.

Vergne will be racing in the Rome ABB FIA Formula E Championship round for DS Techeetah that weekend and will also miss the Monza ELMS round in May courtesy of his FE commitments.