Bonanomi bags LMP1 Le Mans drive with ByKolles

Austrian team ByKolles Racing has confirmed that ex-Audi LMP1 driver Marco Bonanomi will replace Britain's James Rossiter in its ENSO CLM p1/01 LMP1 car for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours. The team is running the only privateer-entered LMP1 car in the race.

This decision has been taken following Rossiter receiving a call-up from his Super GT GT500 team LEXUS TEAM au TOM'S, forcing him to skip the test day and race. Bonanomi will therefore share the team's car for his fourth Le Mans start with previously confirmed drivers Oliver Webb and Dominik Kraihamer.

"We deeply regret that James had to call off his participation at Le Mans just to attend a test in Japan," says Boris Bermes, ByKolles director of racing operations. "We had to find a replacement on short notice. In Marco Bonanomi, we found a very fast and experienced LMP1 driver. Marco already was racing on the highest level at Le Mans as an Audi factory driver three times.

"During our test in Spa-Francorchamps last week, we were convinced by his unsurpassed qualities and we could make further progress with our car. We will be well positioned at Le Mans."

"I am very happy that I am allowed to climb into the ByKolles Racing car for the best and most important race of the year," added Bonanomi. "In my career, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans has always been a dream. Being on the podium at my debut in 2012 will stay in my memory forever. This race has so much history and holds great fascination. You can feel the atmosphere in the cockpit and soak it up.

"I cannot wait to race a LMP1 car at the Sarthe again."