Frenchman Henry Hassid and Finn Jesse Krohn will join Andy Priaulx, competing for BMW Team Marc VDS in the 2015 European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
The Belgian squad are the first to bring the brutal BMW Z4 GTE to Europe, and the revelation of two further strong pilots signal their intent for the series. Regulations for the series’ GTE class mean the team can field only one platinum or gold – professional – driver, alongside two semi-pro or gentlemen.
Bronze rated Hassid raced with Marc VDS at the final round of the 2014 ELMS, winning first time out. His strong pace and his experience made him the perfect choice of gentleman driver for the 2015 season.
Silver graded Jesse Krohn, meanwhile, comes into the squad as BMW Motorsport’s 2014 Junior of the Year, earning him this program with Marc VDS. The 24 year old Finn is highly rated by BMW Motorsport after a strong year that included experiencing the Nordschleife in the BMW M235i.
Bas Leinders, Team Principal:
“I’m very pleased to see this line up come together. We all know Andy’s qualities – how many teams have a triple world champion in their midst? – and we have what I believe to be a very strong team here. Henry showed at Estoril last year that he has everything a driver needs to succeed in ELMS, and Jesse looks like a fantastic talent. It’s great to see that BMW Motorsport trust Marc VDS to be such a major part of the development of their future talent.”
Henry Hassid, BMW Z4 GTE #52
“I started racing at the age of 40, and I never thought that I’d be racing at this level. It’s like a dream, to be racing for such a top team and so closely with BMW Motorsport. The BMW Z4 GTE is fantastic – much more downforce than the GT3. I’ve got a lot to learn but in Andy Priaulx I’ve got a fantastic teacher. This team are all very friendly and welcoming and that’s helped a lot, and we showed we worked well together in Estoril last year. Now the target is simple: win.”
Jesse Krohn, BMW Z4 GTE #52
“I am living my motorsport dream at the moment. To be able to drive the BMW Z4 in two such awesome series as the ELMS and VLN in my second year as a BMW Motorsport Junior is fantastic. I am sure I will benefit from the wealth of experience possessed by Marc VDS and drivers like Andy Priaulx. I am looking forward to another year of learning, and will do everything in my power to meet my own expectations.”
2015 European Le Mans Series Calendar:
23/24 March
Official Test – Circuit Paul Ricard, France
10/11 April
4 Hours of Silverstone, Great Britain
16/17 May
4 Hours of Imola, Italy
11/12 July
4 Hours of Red Bull Ring, Austria
5/6 September
4 Hours of Paul Ricard, France
17/18 October
4 Hours of Estoril, Portugal