MAX KOEBOLT JOINS NIELSEN RACING FOR 2021 EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES

Max Koebolt will switch to the LMP3 class of the European Le Mans Series for the 2021 racing season. The 23- year-old Dutchman will share a Nielsen Racing Ligier JS320 LMP3 with American racer Austin McCusker and Briton Nick Adcock in the strongest endurance championship in the world and will start the season with only one goal: "The European title."

With the move, Koebolt swaps GT racing for sportscars after five successful seasons, providing a major new challenge. "I have had success in both the GT3 and GT4 categories, especially in the European GT4 Championship and racing GT machines is and will remain something very special." Still, the 2017 European GT4 champion didn't hesitate when the opportunity to test an LMP3 came along. “A sportscar is such a refined machine, with almost 500 brake horsepower and a lot of downforce. To go fast with this you have to work hard behind the wheel, but if you succeed, there isn’t a better car to race. ”

The first test with the new car came at the end of last year at the Donington Park circuit as he got acquainted with Nielsen Racing, one of the top teams in the European and Asian Le Mans Series for the past few seasons. “That test was a success, I clicked well with the team, with team principal Sven Thompson and the experience in the car was very positive,” explains Koebolt. "The LMP3 class is also not completely new to me after having competed in a Ligier a few years ago, so I knew in advance that this would suit me."

With the return of Koebolt in sportscars, a major sponsor name is also set to return to international motorsport. Clothing brand Australian, previously active as a major sponsor in Formula 1, will be featured on the white and gold LMP3 this season. “It goes without saying that it is fantastic that we can bring a big name, previously associated with successful drivers and teams, back into racing,” smiles Koebolt. “And I am sure that by participating in the European Le Mans Series we will be able to represent the brand successfully and introduce it to the wider audience.

At Nielsen Racing, Koebolt joins veteran Nick Adcock and Austin McCusker, the 2019 American LMP3 Champion. “I think we have an excellent driver line-up to do well this season. Austin has already shown to be lightning-fast and Nick recently made a strong impression at the Asian Le Mans Series.” Koebolt, therefore, is looking forward to the start of the season and is very ambitious. “The field is undeniably strong but we have to go for it and I can't wait to make my debut in the European Le Mans Series.

The European Le Mans Series will start in April with a first four-hour race at the Barcelona circuit, before finishing in Portugal in October at the Portuguese Portimão track, visiting the most beautiful circuits in Europe along the way. All races can be followed live via the social media channels and the official YouTube channel of the European Le Mans Series.

European Le Mans Series Calender 2021

17-18 April 4 Hours Barcelona

15-16 May 4 Hours Red Bull Ring

10-11 July 4 Hours Monza

18-19 September 4 Hours Spa-Francorchamps

23-24 October 4 Hours Portimão