Andrade isn’t new to ELMS. He competed in the series back in 2021 claiming the title in Pro-AM class. This year he returns to the championship to fight for the overall glory with a new team and new teammates.
Inter Europol Competition has been a vital part of the world’s sportscar scene in the last decade, competing in the Asian Le Mans Series, ELMS, FIA WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Polish outfit will field one LMP2 car in the 2023 ELMS season. Rui (23) will share the #43 LMP2 Oreca 07 with South African ELMS vice-champion and Le Mans podium-finisher Jonathan Aberdein (25) and British single-seater ace Olli Caldwell (20).
The championship visits six iconic circuits across Europe, including Spa-Francorchamps and Imola. The season begins on April 23 with the opening round at the Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. The grid will feature 42 cars, including 18 LMP2 entries.
Rui Andrade:
I’m super excited to be back racing in ELMS this year with Inter Europol Competition.” – the Sonangol-supported driver says. “I think it’s a fantastic championship with great circuits and a high level of competition. It will be great to share the car with Jonathan and Olli as they’re fantastic drivers and I think we can really achieve some great results this year!”
Jamie Campbell-Walter, Managing Director Bullet Sports Management:
“It’s a great opportunity for Rui to return to ELMS in the leading class. He’s already won in Pro-AM, and now he’s going for the overall title. Inter Europol is an experienced team and it’s an exciting line-up with a lot of potential. This will also add some extra mileage to his FIA WEC program with Team WRT.”
2023 European Le Mans Series calendar:
R1 – 23 April – 4 Hours of Barcelona – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
R2 – 7 May – 4 Hours of Imola – Imola Circuit
R3 – 16 July – 4 Hours of Le Castellet – Circuit Paul Ricard
R4 – 26 August – 4 Hours of Aragón – MotorLand Aragón
R5 – 24 September – 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps – Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
R6 – 22 October – 4 Hours of Portimão – Algarve International Circuit