Vandoorne adds WEC campaign to 2021 season schedule

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Mercedes Formula E works driver Stoffel Vandoorne has added a full campaign in the WEC with British outfit JOTA to his 2021 schedule.

Vandoorne, who last raced in the WEC with SMP Racing in 2019, will join Sean Gelael and Tom Blomqvist to form the main line-up of JOTA's two-car entry in the World Endurance Championship, the British team fielding a pair of Oreca 07-Gibsons in the six-round series.

Ahead of the WEC's opening round that will take place at Sebring on March 19, JOTA's front-running trio will warm up by taking part in the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series which will include four rounds held exclusively at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi between February 4th and 20th.

"It will be really good to combine this programme together with my Formula E campaign in 2021 so I am really looking forward to getting started," Vandoorne said.

"To be to be in the WEC with JOTA is great because they are such an established and respected team in a super competitive environment, which is obviously something I always look to be involved in.

"To be able to do it together with Sean and Tom is great as well, because they’re two of my great racing friends."

JOTA finished second behind United Autosports in the WEC's LMP2 category in the endurance series' 2019/20 season. Team co-owner David Clark said that its new line-up was a "great statement of intent" of the outfit's ambitions.

"We are really excited to confirm Sean, Tom and Stoffel’s programmes for 2021 and are looking forward to challenging for wins and the LMP2 title," Clark said.

"The quality of this trio is another great statement of intent from us all at JOTA.

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"Sean has been a mainstay in top level racing now for several years and is clearly a dedicated and impressive professional.”

"I’ve followed Tom’s career over the years and it is clear he is a winner and someone who will bring excellence to the cockpit and a lot of other areas.

"Stoffel’s achievements need little introduction and it will be fantastic to work with him over the course of the year.”

"I’d like to thank all three for showing such great foresight and commitment in getting this plan together and we look forward to some great action and top results across the world in 2021."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.