The ByKolles LMP1 team has confirmed that Marco Bonanomi will join its line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans after James Rossiter was forced to withdraw from the event due to clashing commitments.
Rossiter raced in the opening two rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship season alongside Oliver Webb and Dominik Kraihamer, the trio finishing sixth overall at Spa last month in the ENSO CLM P1/01 car.
However, Rossiter has been forced into testing a Super GT car for Toyota over the Le Mans weekend and is unable to race, with Audi factory driver Bonanomi taking his place.
“We deeply regret that James had to call off his participation at Le Mans just to attend a test in Japan,” ByKolles director of racing operations Boris Bermes said.
“We had to find a replacement on short notice. In Marco Bonanomi, we found a very fast and experienced LMP1 driver. Marco already was racing on the highest level at Le Mans as an Audi factory driver three times.
“During our test in Spa-Francorchamps last week, we were convinced by his unsurpassed qualities and we could make further progress with our car. We will be well positioned at Le Mans in regards to technic and drivers.”
“I am very happy that I am allowed to climb into the ByKolles Racing car for the best and most important race of the year,” said Bonanomi, who last raced at Le Mans in 2015.
“In the course of my career, the participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans was always a dream. Being on the podium at my debut in 2012 will stay in my memory forever.
“This race has so much history and holds a great fascination. You can feel the atmosphere in the cockpit and soak it up literally.
“I would like to thank the team for giving me this chance. I cannot wait to race a LMP1 car at the Sarthe again.”