Paul-Loup Chatin said he feels “honoured” to be joining Audi for the FIA World Endurance Championship Rookie Test in Bahrain.
25 year-old Chatin, who joins Gustavo Menezes and Pipo Derani at the test, earned his opportunity following an impressive season with Panis-Barthez Competition in the European Le Mans Series, taking the team’s first pole in Austria. The Frenchman, a winner in the WEC with Signatech Alpine at Shanghai last year, also won the ELMS title in 2014 with Signatech-Alpine.
“I am really excited about this Rookie Test nomination with Audi,” said Chatin. “As well as being a great pleasure, it’s also a great honour for me. The Audi R18 is the best in motorsport today, so driving it with the support of the Joest team is a great opportunity.”
With the 6 Hours of Bahrain marking Audi’s final appearance in the FIA WEC, the Rookie Test will be the last occasion the R18 is run in anger for the foreseeable future – a fact which is not lost on Chatin.
“The sad withdrawal of Audi from endurance racing brings home to me even more how unique this test will be,” he said. “Having almost always known the Audi name at the 24 hours of Le Mans, it is difficult for me to imagine 2017 without their presence.
“To add my name in a small way alongside the legends that have made Audi shine since 1999 is a real privilege and I will endeavour to be at the top of my game throughout the day.
“I would like to thank Audi Sport Team Joest, the ACO and the FIA WEC for this great opportunity and especially Signatech Alpine, Panis-Barthez Competition and Baxi DC Racing Alpine for their confidence throughout these last few years. Without them I would not be having this test.”
James Newbold
Photo by Adrenal Media
