‘Race to 24’ programme to select Team SARD-Morand Morgan driver
Team SARD-Morand is in the process of selecting their final drivers for Le Mans.
The Morgan EVO SARD
Vision Sport Agency
One of the two remaining seats in the Team SARD-Morand Morgan entry at Le Mans will be selected from an initiative known as ‘Race to 24’.
Two dozen drivers from seventeen countries are on the list, which shows drivers with varying levels of experience who are set to compete in a reality TV style programme for one of the coveted LMP2 seats at Le Mans.
Drivers in the running
At one end of the scale are well known endurance racing drivers such as Christopher Haase and Jonathan Summerton, while at the other are relative unknowns such as Raed Rachamalla from Bahrain and Austria’s Laura Kraihamer (sister of Rebellion Racing driver, Dominik). It is unclear how the eclectic list of drivers was initially assembled.
Many Internationally recognised single-seater drivers also have a chance to make their Le Mans debut this season. GP2 and Indy 500 driver - Conor Daly could follow in his father- Derek’s footsteps and race at La Sarthe in June. Daly Snr last competed at La Sarthe in 1990 in a Don Devendorf entered Nissan R90CK.
Another son of a well-known former Le Mans 24 Hours driver is Jules Gounon - son of former works Mercedes driver, Jean-Marc - who has forged a very bright reputation in karting and Formula Renault over the last few seasons.
Making it three American’s on the list is Brandon Newey, son of Brian Herta Autosport’s co-owner – Steve Newey.
Three women racers
Three women racers also have the chance to be part of the SARD-Morand program with the aforementioned Laura Kraihamer being joined by Vicky Piria and Inès Taittinger.
The Race to 24 project will see 12-part online series screened over the next 12 weeks. Fans will be encouraged to interact with team manager Benoit Morand in choosing the successful candidate.
Click HERE to watch the promotional video. Warning: This video contains images of a semi naked Christian Klien doing yoga, which some viewers may find distressing!
Race to 24 full driver list
Name | Nationality | Resume |
Advait Deodhar | India |
Finished 24th 2014–15 MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship |
Armando Parente | Portugual | 2008 ADAC Formula BMW champion |
Brandon Newey | USA | 17th in 2014 Pro Mazda Championship |
Christopher Haase | Germany | 2009 FIA GT3 European Champion, Winner of 2014 Nurburgring 24 Hours |
Conor Daly | USA | 2010 Star Mazda Champion, 3rd in 2013 GP3 Series |
Dino Zamparelli | England | 7th in 2014 GP3 Series |
Esteban Guerrieri | Argentina | 3rd in 2010 Formula Renault 3.5 series; 2nd in 2011/12 Indy Lights Series |
Fabien Thuner | Switzerland | 5th in 2012 Eurocup Renault Megane Trophy |
Gustavo Lima | Brazil | 14th in 2014 BRDC Formula 4 Championship |
Inès Taittinger | France | 3rd in 2013 Aragon 12 Hours |
Jonathan Summerton | USA | 2nd in 2009 Formula Atlantic Championship |
Jules Gounon | France |
2nd in 2013 French F4 Championship |
Laura Kraihamer | Austria | 12th 2012 KTM X-Bow Series |
Lukas Moraes | Brazil | 2nd in Brazilian F3 Open Series |
Martin Chao | China | 2014 British F3 Champion |
Marvin Dienst | Germany | 4th in 2014 ADAC Formel Masters |
Max Snegirev | Russia | 13th in 2012 Auto GP World Series |
Mitchell Gilbert | Australia | 23rd in 2013 FIA European F3 Championship |
Raed Rachamalla | Bahrain | Unknown |
Sam Brabham | England | 2nd in 2013 British Formula Ford Championship |
Shinya Michimi | Japan | 8th in 2014 Auto GP Series |
Stefan Rzadinski | Canada | Indy Lights and Tagliani Autosport NASCAR Canada Driver |
Vicky Piria | Italy | 10th in 2013 European F3 Open |
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