Rebellion returns to LMP1 with Andre Lotterer and Neel Jani
The list of LMP1 entries is growing as Rebellion, freshly crowned in LMP2, has announced that it will return to the premier category with a significantly revamped driver lineup.
Rebellion did not leave the LMP1 for very long. One season to be precise. Indeed, for many years, the Swiss team was almost alone in the private category. For 2017, it was decided to move down to LMP2. Successfully, as they managed to clinch the title at the end of the last race of the season.
But the change in technical regulations brings back the possibility of being competitive in LMP1, especially since Toyota is expected to be the only manufacturer present in the category. Rebellion thus takes advantage to make its return but will mainly benefit from Porsche’s departure. Therefore, it is able to secure the services of two former winners from the German manufacturer, André Lotterer and Neel Jani.
For the Swiss, it’s a return to his roots as he launched his endurance career there: « I’m looking forward to returning to where my endurance career began 9 years ago. REBELLION Racing played a significant role in my career and helped me become a Porsche driver. After hearing the news of Porsche’s withdrawal from LMP1, it was clear to me that I wanted to return to REBELLION Racing. I hope we can get a podium at Le Mans and hopefully several podiums this season. »
André Lotterer will therefore also undertake the dual WEC and Formula E program. A triple winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Audi, he will have only raced for Porsche for one season.
Another newcomer to the team is the young Frenchman Thomas Laurent. A revelation of the year in LMP2 with Jackie Chan DC Racing, he had a test session with Toyota at the end of the season. It is ultimately with Rebellion that he will make his debut in LMP1: « I’m excited to meet the whole team and the other drivers! Also eager to see the car and get in it for the first time! It’s a dream come true to race in a championship in the LMP1 category. I think the team will do everything to compete at the front, so it’s up to us to be up to the task! »
Among the drivers present in 2017, only Bruno Senna and Mathias Beche will be returning. Nicolas Prost, Nelson Piquet, Julien Canal, and David Heinemeier Hansson will therefore have to find a new employer.
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
