The WEC is one of the handful of racing series in which age isn’t much of an obstacle. Thanks to the wide range of cars and the low costs, any former Formula 1 drivers have the chance to prolong their careers in the WEC. Dutch driver Jos Verstappen is evidently the latest to turn to the endurance series.
The former F1 driver wants to return to Le Mans. Verstappen, father of current Toro Rosso F1 driver Max Verstappen, won the LMP2 class at the legendary 24-hour race in 2008 in the Van Merksteijn Motorsport Porsche RS Spyder, but he ended his active motorsport career in 2010. Evidently urged on by his son’s success in Formula 1, Jos Verstappen’s thoughts have now turned back to the racetrack.
Together with Le Mans legend Jan Lammers and Fritz Eerd (a sponsor of Max), the 43-year-old is looking to commit to a WEC programme. In an interview with Autosport.com, Verstappen said he was ready for competition. “I think I can still do it,” he said. “I know how to drive, I just need to have some practice and lose a few kilos.” Jan Lammers is a former Le Mans winner, triumphing in 1988 with the Silk Cut Jaguar team, and has bags of experience besides. The trio intend to put together a Dutch-only team for next season’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The main aim at the moment is to finalise plans for the LMP2 car and then begin preparations with the team. It is still unclear which chassis and tyres the team are targeting, but talks are said to be at an advanced stage. Verstappen refused to comment on the identity of a third driver, but it’s clear that he or she will come from the Netherlands. One option could be Jos’ son Max, who is currently in his debut season of Formula 1. The team intend to compete at the first two rounds of the 2016 WEC season to sharpen up for the big race at Le Mans. The possibility of a full-season WEC effort is currently under discussion.
Source: Autosport.com
Image: WEC-Magazin (Walter Schruff)