UNITED AUTOSPORTS STILL IN ELMS TITLE HUNT HEADING INTO FINAL ROUND AT PORTIMAO

The team head to Portimao third in the LMP3 standings as Matt Bell, Tony Wells and Garett Grist fight for title glory in the #3 Ligier JS P3. Both our LMP2 and LMP3 teams are hoping to continue their good form into the final round of the year after a spectacular double win last time out at Spa. Phil Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque took the overall race win in the #22 Ligier JS P217, while John Falb and Scott Andrews won the LMP3 class in the #2 Ligier JS P3. Scott will be racing alongside John once again at Portimao, hoping to end the year on a high. The #32 Ligier JS P217 of Will Owen, Hugo de Sadeleer and Wayne Boyd will be aiming to improve on their season best finish of sixth at Spa.

Phil Hanson (GB), driver car #22, United Autosports:
“I’ve never raced at Portimao but it looks like a track that is more exciting than most with its huge undulations. It’s going to be a very tough race with everyone wanting to finish the year on a high, but after we showed strong pace in the dry qualifying performance at Spa, I think we can be competitive and hopefully follow on from a good weekend at Spa.”
 
Filipe Albuquerque (POR), driver car #22, United Autosports:
“I am really looking forward to the next round. Firstly, because it’s my home race and secondly, we come to Portugal off the back of our victory at Spa. I think Portimao suits our Ligier better than Spa so I am curious to see our speed and performance against the competition. Portimao will be very special because the LMP2 championship is already decided and no one is fighting for that, only for the race win. That can make things very interesting for the crowd.”
 
Will Owen (US), driver car #32, United Autosports:
“The time has come for our last race of the year. It's a sad feeling to finish up such a fun and educational year with United in LMP2. Portimão is a great place to finish it off and I am happy to return to that circuit again. Our car has always been pretty good on that track, so I remain confident that we can have a shot at a good result. We will all work hard as usual to make sure that we close out the year in an enjoyable and successful manner.”
 
Hugo de Sadeleer (CH), driver car #32, United Autosports:
“We're back to the sunny side of Europe for the last race of the year. Last year we managed to finish on the podium, let’s try to do the same this time round.”
 
Wayne Boyd (GB), driver car #32, United Autosports:
“It’s hard to believe it’s the final round of the championship. We’ve had a tough year but the last race at Spa was very positive for us so we plan to finish the season strong. Portimao is a circuit I really enjoy, a lot of variations of corners and the team were fast there last year. We qualified second and went on to the win the race in LMP3 last year so a repeat is definitely the goal.”
 
John Falb (US), driver car #2, United Autosports:
“Getting back on the podium with a win at Spa gives us great momentum to roll into the last round of the season. Portimao is a favourite track for me. With all the elevation changes, combined with mid/high speed turns, it feels like a roller coaster. Scott Andrews will be joining me again to close out the season and we plan to have a blast! We know our car will be good over four hours and with a touch of good fortune we can haul in some hardware.”
 
Scott Andrews (AUS), driver car #2, United Autosports:
“I’m really excited to return to the ELMS with United Autosports. It was a pleasure for me last time out at Spa with the team and hopefully we can repeat our last performance. John is a fantastic teammate and I’m looking forward to being back in Portugal.”
 
Matt Bell (GB), driver car #3, United Autosports:
“After a bit of a rollercoaster season I’m looking forward to giving it my all at Portimao to try and win the European title. It’s a track I really enjoy and as a team we went pretty well there last year with a championship win for one car, race win for another, and first podium of the season in Le Mans Cup too. We’re definitely targeting a repeat of that form. Tony, Garett and myself are more determined than ever to get on the top step and bring some silverware home for UA.”
 
Tony Wells (GB), driver car #3, United Autosports:
“So after a year of racing, it all comes down to the final round. Portimao is a proper roller coaster of a track and a thrill to drive. To have a chance of winning the championship, our approach to the race is simple – we have to win, then we just see what happens to everyone else. After a great test last week, we might just have a chance.”
 
Garett Grist (CAN), driver car #3, United Autosports:
“We have a big weekend ahead of us in Portimao as we head into the final round fighting for the championship. We’ll have to have our best weekend to get the job done. I have confidence in my teammates and the team that we can win the championship. It’s been a great first year in Europe and at United Autosports for me. Everyone has welcomed me and made me feel part of their family. Let’s end it on a high note.”

Zak Brown, Team Owner and Chairman, United Autosports:
“Heading into the final round of the year still in with a chance of the LMP3 Championship is a great achievement to say we have been pretty unlucky this year. I’m hopeful after a couple of great results last time out at Spa we can continue that momentum into the final round.”
 
Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:
“I seem to say this every year, but I can’t believe it’s already the final round of the season. We go into the Portimao race with a chance of winning the LMP3 title. We are chasing for it this time, rather than being the ones being chased, which shows the level of competition this year. We had a fantastic result at Spa so fingers crossed we can end the year on a high note, before heading to Asia for our winter programme.”