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Garry Findlay will continue his progress up the endurance racing ladder when he makes his LMP2 class debut at this weekend’s 4 Hours of Imola, round two of the 2016 European Le Mans Series (ELMS).


The Briton has been confirmed as part of a three-driver line-up for the #48 Murphy Prototypes entry, driving an ORECA-Nissan 03R alongside rising Irish stars Sean Doyle and Patrick McClughan in the top ELMS category. The step-up follows Findlay’s LMP3 debut, which only came at last season’s ELMS finale in Portugal, and will be the 26-year old’s first outing of 2016 as he continues to put his programme together after seeing a proposed LMP3 campaign evaporate on the eve of the season.


“I had expected to be racing in the LMP3 class of the ELMS this season but, having seen those plans dashed, I’m excited to get a chance to step up another rung on the sportscar ladder and make my LMP2 debut with Murphy Prototypes,” Findlay confirmed, “I’m grateful to team owner Greg Murphy for making this opportunity available and aim to make the most of it. The LMP2 category is very strong at the moment, so there is no better showcase for me than competing against some of sportscar racing’s biggest names.”


Although he missed the chance to race on home soil at Silverstone, Findlay used the opening round of the ELMS to his advantage, striking a deal with Murphy to contest both the Imola and, most likely, Spa-Francorchamps rounds of the championship, with a view to adding further outings later in the season.


“Greg was sympathetic to my situation and we quickly came up with a plan to do a couple of races and see where we go from there,” Findlay explained, “The team has a reputation for promoting young talent – and has fielded some high-profile names as well – so I’m looking forward to it.  Joining the series at round two is good as there is still plenty of time left to prove my worth for the rest of the season. I’ve been out of the cockpit for longer than I would have liked and I want to keep the ball rolling now I’m back.”


Findlay is no stranger to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola, which should make acclimatising to the ORECA-Nissan easier when he gets behind the wheel for opening practice on Friday (13 May).


“Imola is a fantastic track, and quite a quirky one as well,” the former single-seater ace recalled, “I last raced there in the SPEED Euroseries a couple of years ago and it still retains that ‘olde worlde’ feel, with houses and apartments almost within touching distance of the track. It’s a great track for racing on, with a lot of elevation change and some really challenging corners, with evocative names like Tamburello, Piratella and Acque Minerali. Of course, Imola will always be associated with that one weekend in May 1994, but it’s still a great venue and I can’t wait to get back there in Murphy’s LMP2 machine.”


Findlay will make his LMP2 debut in the 4 Hours of Imola, round two of the 2016 European Le Mans Series, this weekend (13-15 May), with the race being shown live on MotorsTV and www.europeanlemansserries.com.


Garry to make LMP2 debut with Murphy Prototypes