(English) Inter Europol by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsport confirms driver lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona
3 stycznia 2024
Having wrapped up its 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship program in Bahrain, Inter Europol faces a new challenge this month as the Polish team joins the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for a full-season LMP2 campaign.
The #52 Inter Europol by PR1/Mathiasen Motorsport Oreca 07 will be raced at the forthcoming 24 Hours of Daytona by Jakub ‘Kuba’ Śmiechowski, Tom Dillmann, Clément Novalak and Nick Boulle.
Kuba is the team’s Silver-graded driver and helped Inter Europol to second in the FIA WEC LMP2 standings in 2023, including the Centenary edition of Le Mans, where he and his teammates secured an unforgettable victory for the team.
Tom Dillmann and Clément Novalak, both Gold-graded drivers, have already been confirmed with Inter Europol Competition for the European Le Mans Series and now double-up duties this year in IMSA’s endurance events.
Tom has plenty of prototype experience, having previously won the Michelin Le Mans Cup in LMP3 machinery, competed in the Hypercar class and raced the Oreca LMP2 with recent success in the Asian Le Mans Series.
Clement is stepping from FIA Formula 2 to LMP2 competition in 2024 and, along with Kuba and Tom, tested with the team last month. The two French drivers duly make their race debut in green and yellow at Daytona International Speedway.
Nick is the team’s Bronze-graded driver and has plenty of Rolex 24 experience, having first raced at Daytona with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsport in 2016, where he secured a podium position. He won the LMPC class in 2017 and secured a further LMP2 podium in 2020.
The 2024 season gets underway with the ‘Roar before the Rolex 24’ on 19 January, which includes six test sessions and qualifying for the Rolex 24, which runs from 27-28 January.
Jakub Śmiechowski
“A new year brings us new challenges! After a great 2023 season, we are focusing on IMSA this year. We have a very good and experienced team and intend to take full advantage of that. We start with the legendary race at Daytona. After the first tests in December, I am very satisfied. Of course, I have to get used to the American style, but I think we already got along perfectly during the tests. Combining the experience of Inter Europol Competition and PR1, we will certainly be strong!”
Tom Dillmann
“I’m very enthusiastic to race in the IMSA series for the first season of Inter Europol stateside. To race on those legendary tracks and events with a chance to maybe add trophies and lines to the resume is something really to look forward to!”
Clément Novalak
“I’m thrilled to be racing this year at the Daytona 24 hours in IMSA with Inter Europol. It was amazing to test with them last year for my first time on American soil, and I’m really looking forward to racing with them. I’ve matched well with the boys and girls over at IEC/PR1, and they’ve really helped me out in getting comfortable with the car, so I can’t wait to be back in the car at the Roar.”
Nick Boulle
„To say I am super excited to be back racing in the LMP2 class with PR1 Motorsports and the Inter Europol squad is an understatement. Clearly, Inter Europol brings a lot of knowledge and history to the team for this year, and combining that with PR1 Motorsport’s focus on success, I think, will make for a potent combination.
„I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Inter Europol crew. My first working days with the team will be at the Roar Before the 24, and while it has been some time since I have gotten behind the wheel of a prototype, I think the team will help me get comfortable and back up to pace quickly as we prepare for the Rolex 24 and the season we have ahead together.”