DAMS rejoins Formula Le Mans

DAMS’s 2010 season will again be a full one as the French team is racing in several top-level international championships. After confirming its presence in GP2 Asia, the GP2 Series and Formula BMW Europe, the team has announced today its participation in the Formula Le Mans Championship, which will kick off with the first collective test session on the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit (Le Castellet, France) on 7th – 8th March.

DAMS will enter two cars in the championship this year. The first will be driven by a trio consisting of Andrea Barlesi, Alessandro Cicognani and Gary Chalandon, while the driver line-up for the second car still has to be confirmed with Guillaume Bermond and Nelson Panciatici.

The Formula Le Mans cars have been given a great boost this season, as for the first time they will race in the Le Mans Series 1000-km events, in which they will have their own classification.

After its 2009 successes in this category (8 victories in 9 races, and series champion) DAMS is determined to add a new title to its laurels in 2010.

Loïc David, General Manager: “Once again DAMS’s programme is shared between single-seaters and endurance. This versatility has been the strength of our team for several years: it enriches our engineers and mechanics and enables us to react very quickly as well as giving us valuable experience. This year, Formula Le Mans has moved up to another level as it’s now part of the Le Mans Series 1000-km races. Our aim is to be at the front on a regular basis and go for the title.”

Alessandro Cicognani: “Taking part of the Le Mans Series is a dream that has become reality. The 2010 season will play an important role in my training as a racing driver. To be able to collaborate with a team like DAMS is a marvelous opportunity, as its experience and results are a yardstick in motor racing. I can’t wait for my first event.”

Andrea Barlesi: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this year’s LMS with DAMS. The team has the know-how and working methods that can make the difference. The 2010 squad will be defending the title that DAMS won in 2009, and that’s why I have trained very hard to win this challenge. I’m looking forward to working with Alessandro and Gary and it promises to be a very fruitful collaboration. I’d like to thank the team for putting its trust in me.”

Gary Chalandon: “I’m very happy that DAMS has chosen me to race in the Le Mans Series this season. After a learning year in 2009, my aim’s to fight for the title. This year, the Formula Le Mans cars will run in 1000-km races. I know I can count on DAMS and its twenty years’ experience in motor sport to take up the challenge.”