NEWS
18.01.12
Hancock confirmed for 2012 Jota-Zytek LMP2 programme
32-year old professional sportscar driver, Hancock, is a former Le Mans Series Champion in LMP2 and will look to use his experience to help co-driver, Simon Dolan, make a successful debut in the category.
Following a year in GTE in 2011, the Kent-based team will be returning to their roots of LMP racing, and have made a full season entry into the ELMS as well as applying for an entry to the Le Mans 24 Hours. This is the first year of a three year programme for Jota in LMP2.
Jota and Zytek have an illustrious history together with Jota having bought Zytek's first ever car, which they ran in 2004 & 2005 in the Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2005.
In 2006, Jota partnered with Zytek to run the factory team in the Le Mans Series, at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the final rounds of the American Le Mans Series. In 2007 the partnership continued once again, competing in the final two rounds of the American Le Mans Series.
This relationship has seen overall and class podiums in the Le Mans Series and in the American Le Mans Series, a feat the team hope to repeat in 2012.
"Both Jota and Zytek have enjoyed an excellent relationship over many years and to have the opportunity to be working alongside them again on a new LMP2 project is very exciting indeed," said John Manchester, Zytek Operations Director. "Jota have a great pedigree in motorsport and now with the combination of the Zytek Z011SN chassis I am sure that they are going to make a big impact in the LMP2 category over the coming seasons".
Sam Hancock and Simon Dolan will again reunite, the duo having campaigned Jota's Aston Martin Vantage in the GTE class last season. Hancock first drove for the team back in 2005 in the Zytek LMP1 and was crowned Le Mans Series Champion in 2004 while driving for the factory Courage outfit.
Sam Hancock: "This is really exciting. I've loved our time in the GTE class, but as much as I enjoy the cars and the intensity of the racing, it's always nice to get back into a prototype. The LMP2 class in particular holds fond memories for me having won the Le Mans Series Championship in it previously. I'd really love to add another title to that if possible, and if we're lucky enough to get a Le Mans entry, gunning for a class win there will really be the icing on the cake."
Simon Dolan: "I'm really excited to be back in a prototype after a hugely enjoyable year in GTpro," said Dolan. "It'll be fantastic to be getting back to racing for overall wins in ELMS"
ENDS.