Algarve Pro Racing Team is keeping itself fresh by fielding a pair of Ligier JS P2s for a strong and eclectic driver line-up in the 2016-17 Asian Le Mans Series (AsLMS) curtain-raiser at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China (29-30 October).
A high-calibre entry of 33 cars spread over five classes reflects the AsLMS’s burgeoning stature and the growing popularity and strength of of the Asian motorsport scene, which is increasingly viewed as a fundamental element of teams’ programmes and an effective, cost-effective breeding ground for young aspirants.
For a team like Algarve Pro, which values professionalism, having a presence on the AsLMS grid is imperative, therefore the Albufeira, Portugal-based squad will field a pair of Ligier JS P2s in the opening round of the 2016-17 season in Zhuhai (29-30 October).
Matthew McMurry spearheads Algarve Pro’s #24 entry. In 2014, the Arizona teenager became the youngest driver ever to finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans at 16 years and 202 days, and Algarve Pro has been trying to place him in one of its Ligier LMP2s ever since.
He has been teamed with Korea’s Tacksung Kim and Italy’s Andrea Roda for this one-time appearance in Zhuhai, while the #25 LMP2 machine will be piloted by rapid Dutchman Nicky Catsburg, young Frenchman Andrea Pizzitola and Michael Munemann, who has a long-standing relationship with the Portuguese team, having been part of its 24 Hours of Le Mans, European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and Megane Trophy Eurocup campaigns.
Algarve Pro Racing Team Principal, Stewart Cox, said: “The Asian Le Mans Series has definitely improved over last year, as there are more cars on the grid and teams have filled them with very good drivers. There will be no messing around! We’re obviously out to win and we’re pleased to have such a strong line-up, as we’ve been trying to run Nicky (Catsburg) for some time and the same can be said of Matthew (McMurry), who we met at Le Mans in 2014.
“However, this programme is important for keeping the team fresh; four more races, more pit stops, more car preparation and more time running the systems we have in place keeps everything moving and ensures consistency, but a bigger programme also generates more revenue for the team and that provides consistency in your personnel, which is critical.”