Larbre Competition has confirmed that Nicky Catsburg and Jean-Philippe Belloc will take part in this weekend’s test day ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in place of Paolo Ruberti.
Ruberti was injured in an accident while coaching at Hockenheim earlier this week, undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebra that has ruled him of the race on June 19.
Ruberti had been set to share the no. 50 Larbre Competition Chevrolet Corvette with Yutaka Yamagishi and Pierre Ragues in the GTE Am class for Le Mans.
However, the team has now confirmed that both Catsburg and Belloc will take part in Sunday’s test day before a decision is taken on who will replace Ruberti for the official race sessions.
“Due to his crash earlier this week during a coaching session, Italian driver Paolo Ruberti had successful surgery in Germany yesterday and will remain at the hospital for a few days,” a statement from the team read.
“Drivers Jean-Philippe Belloc and Nicky Catsburg will be behind the wheel of the no. 50 Corvette on Sunday with regulars Yutaka Yamagishi and Pierre Ragues.
“Jack Leconte and his team wish Paolo a speedy recovery.”
The first test for the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place on Sunday at the Circuit de la Sarthe.