LM24: G-Drive splits with Berthon

The frontrunning G-Drive LMP2 squad has split with former GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 race winner Nathanael Berthon ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

A statement from the Jota-run G-Drive Racing team said it had parted company with the 27-year-old Frenchman after the opening two rounds of the World Endurance Championship.

No reason for the move was given nor any indication on who would replace the Frenchman alongside Rene Rast and Roman Rusinov in the team's ORECA-Nissan 05 for Le Mans on June 18/19. Jota co-owner Dave Clark said: "I would like to thank Nathanael for his efforts with the team in 2016.

"We achieved two solid results in the first races at Silverstone and Spa and he showed he can be part of a frontrunning team and we wish him every success in the future."

Berthon finished third and fifth in class the Silvertone and Spa in April and May respectively, but was involved in incidents in each of the races that cost the team time.

It is unclear whether G-Drive will fill the vacant seat in time for this weekend's Le Mans test day. Participation is mandatory for all but platinum-rated drivers.

Originally on Autosport.com