United Autosports has confirmed Marino Sato and Filip Ugran to run the No. 22 Oreca 07 Gibson for the 2024 European Le Mans Series.
The upcoming European Le Mans Series will see Filip Ugran and Marino Sato sharing the #22 United Autosports ORECA in the LMP2 Pro class alongside recently announced Ben Hanley.
Japanese driver Sato is back with the Anglo-American team for the second consecutive ELMS season after winning three races with the team in his maiden season and finishing second in the championship.
Along with his ELMS responsibilities, the 24-year-old will also drive a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for United in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“A big thank you to everyone around me for continuous support and to the team for believing in me,” said Sato. “I’m very happy to be back in ELMS especially with United Autosports and super happy to add this to my calendar alongside my WEC campaign with United and McLaren.
“The field looks really strong with the few new teams and a lot of strong drivers but we are ready to give everything.
“We just missed out on winning the title last season so the target is really clear for us. Can’t wait to get this started!”
On the other hand, Ugran makes his first appearance in the ELMS after joining Algarve Pro Racing for the last two rounds of 2022.
Joining Prema’s LMP2 team in the WEC last season, he finished two races in fourth place alongside Bent Viscaal and Juan Manuel Correa.
“I am really excited to join United Autosports – they have such a strong track record in the European Le Mans Series,” said Ugran.
“My teammates Ben and Marino both have winning experience in the ELMS too, so I’m going to make the most of this opportunity, learn all I can from them and hopefully have a great season together in the #22!”
The full lineup for United’s second Pro car is still pending confirmation; at the moment, Filipe Albuquerque is the only driver that has been confirmed.
“We finished 2023 in such a strong position, with three wins from six races,” said Dean. “But we missed out on the championship. That one really hurt, but now we are refocussed, re-energised and hungrier than ever to reclaim our title and I am confident these talented drivers can help us achieve just that.”
