Graff confirms van der Garde and Pilet with Heriau for Le Mans 24H

GRAFF is happy to confirm its line-up for the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of le Mans.

With the Oreca-07 #39 entered in LMP2 Pro-Am category, GRAFF chose to trust François Hériau who was among the line-up who won the Asian Le Mans Series in LMP3 and securing GRAFF’s place in the 2023 24 Hours of le Mans. The Bronze driver from Rennes will have two experienced Platinum drivers for this challenge.

François will be joined by his IMSA teammate: Giedo van der Garde. The former Formula 1 driver and 2016 ELMS champion will take his 5th start in the 24 Hours of le Mans. They will be joined by Patrick Pilet who has been taking part in the 24 Hours of le Mans every year since 2009 and who will reunite with GRAFF, 15 years after his title in Porsche Carrera Cup France.

François Hériau, driver #39: “I am delighted to be part of the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two teammates who are fast and nice as well. I am glad to be with Giedo again, this time in Europe. He won the 6H of Portimao so there is no need to talk about his speed. I am also very happy to have Patrick in the team where he made his debuts. He was one of the fastest drivers in LMP2 in the past years. It is difficult to hide our ambition which is to battle for the win in LMP2 Pro-Am.”

Giedo van der Garde, driver #39: “After having won the Pro-Am Championship in FIA WEC in 2021, I wanted to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans so badly. Now together with François and Patrick I’m super happy to have another chance of winning Le Mans. Especially during the Centenary! »

Patrick Pilet, driver #39: “I am really happy to return to GRAFF Racing, the team with whom I have made my debuts in motorsports. 15 years after my title in Porsche Carrera Cup, I hope this new adventure will be just as successful. I am convinced we have the adequate team and line-up for my favourite race.”

Pascal Rauturier, Team Manager: “We are very happy to be a part of the Centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, thanks to the invitation we gained by winning the Asian Le Mans Series LMP3 title. We were eager to build the most competitive line-up to race at the front in LMP2 Pro-Am. François is having great momentum and is one of the fastest Bronze in LMP2. Giedo’s and Patrick’s experience, speed and human qualities will be a massive asset in this adventure.”

The centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on June 10-11th. After a podium in LMP2 in 2018, GRAFF will be ready to fight for the win of this prestigious event.