After five seasons in single-seaters, Bent Viscaal is embarking on a new adventure in the European Le Mans Series. The 22-year-old Dutchman will make his debut in the endurance world this weekend, when he participates on behalf of Algarve Pro Racing in the opening race of the 2022 ELMS season.
After a collective testing session held last Monday and Tuesday, Viscal’s appetite for racing competition has only increased. “I can not wait!”
Bent Viscaal to participate in European Le Mans Series with Algarve Pro Racing
Viscaal, who lives in Albergen in Twente, was approached by various teams for the Formula 2 season 2022. The talented twenty-something had the misfortune that due to various unforeseen circumstances, no passage in the training class towards Formula 1 turned out to be possible. Team Algarve Pro Racing’s offer to participate in the European Le Mans Series captured Viscaal’s imagination so much that he turned his attention to the long-distance championship. The two-time Formula 2 podium customer signed a contract to race in the ELMS with German lady Sophia Floersch for a season.
2022 European Le
As drivers of Algarve Pro Racing’s number 19 car, a stunning blue-black car, Viscaal and Floersch were called up to take part in the so-called ‘Prologue’ at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France, early this week. . During five sessions, spread over two days, the technical and aerodynamic knowledge of the Dutch-German duo was put to the test several times. In the end, a competitive time rolled out, leaving Viscaal excited for the season overture.
“Testing actually went very well,” says Viscaal from the south of France, where the first race of the season will also be held next weekend. “Especially the first day was very positive. Of course it takes some getting used to if you are used to single-seaters, because there is a lot of traffic on the track”, the Dutchman refers to his 41 opponents. “There are also a few gentleman drivers in there, so you have to keep your head up. It’s a fun challenge.”
The test days were not completely straightforward. “The second day was a bit less for us, because we had a little problem with the set-up. It didn’t go quite the way Sophia and I wished. That is why we were able to do few race simulations on Tuesday. Fortunately, we solved the problem towards the end of the session, leaving us with a competitive time and a good feeling when the flag fell.”
“I’m really looking forward to the weekend, I can’t wait to experience how such an ELMS event is built. Algarve Pro Racing’s LMP2 car is fantastic. We are now two days later, but I still have a big smile on my face. This car is going so fast!”, Viscaal concludes enthusiastically.
Bent Viscaal will make his endurance debut during the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, which will take place this Sunday, April 17 at the Circuit Paul Ricard and start at 11 am.