After qualifying on pole for the 3 Hours of Hungaroring with sports car superstar Hartley behind the wheel, the team put in a valiant effort to finish second, in the race that was hampered by changing weather conditions. The New Zealander put in the drive of the season to hunt down the race leader but time ran out before he completely closed the gap.

“Brendon has proved himself time and time again to be at the top of his game and no more so than at the Hungaroring last weekend,” comments team owner Greg Murphy. “Had the conditions been different in Hungary, we could have won. Our tyre isn’t well suited to the drying track. However, I believe we have a very good chance of winning in Le Castellet.”

Hartley will race with the team despite a clashing commitment in the Grand-Am Series driving the #8 Starworks Motorsport Daytona Prototype. “We have to, of course, thank Starworks for allowing Brendon to drive for us again this weekend,” Murphy adds.

“It’s also great that Jonathan will also join us for the final round. He and Brendon make a great team and have, in the last two rounds, showed that they have race-winning potential.”

Hirschi returns to the team following solid performances at the Red Bull Ring in August and the Hungaroring on 14 September, which impressed team-regular Hartley.

“Jonathan did a fantastic job in the last two rounds and it’s a pleasure to drive alongside him,” comments Hartley. “The conditions at Hungaroring were, at times, treacherous and it takes a very talented and focused driver to finish a stint without any mistakes.

“I think together we have a great chance of winning at Paul Ricard. If the car performs as well as it did in Hungary and the weather conditions are right, there is no reason why we won’t be stood on the top step of the podium together. The team has done a fantastic job all season and just keep on getting better. I also need to thank my team at Starworks for allowing me to race in the ELMS, despite being under contract with them in Grand-Am in the USA.”

Hartley has tasted victory in this his debut year in the Rolex Grand-Am championship driving the Starworks #8 car alongside his ELMS campaign with Murphy Prototypes. The New Zealander began LMP racing last year following a successful single-seater career that now sees him supporting Formula One team Mercedes with its testing programme.

Murphy concludes: “Brendon and Jonathan are both great drivers. So, let’s say, we’re confident we can win next weekend but that we understand the challenges ahead and never underestimate the high level of competition in the ELMS.”