Bent Viscaal’s resounding debut in endurance racing has paid off. Slovakian team ARC Bratislava has awarded the 22-year-old Dutchman with a deal to participate in the World Endurance Racing Championship.
In two weeks, Viscaal will make his World Endurance Championship debut; his first race is the 6 hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
Bent Viscaal impressive to podium in opening race European Le Mans Series
Viscaal had completed just two days of testing in his employer’s Algarve Pro Racing car when he was shown the presance during the overture to the European Endurance Racing Championship last weekend. What followed was a memorable performance. Together with teammate Sophia Floersch, the young Tukker rode to an excellent second place on his endurance debut.
Viscal’s strong performance made an impression. Founded in 1997 by Miro Konopka and Dusan Vyslozil, the team ARC Bratislava, who has competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours since 2017 and has a permanent place in the World Endurance Racing Championship (WEC), rewarded the Dutch driver by naming him as third driver. Viscaal will sit next to compatriot Tijmen van der Helm and founder Konopka, who as the bronze rider ensures that the team will compete in the WEC as a participant in the LMP2-Pro/Am class.
“My debut in endurance racing was unforgettable. I was really looking forward to it beforehand, but a result like last weekend’s motivation leaves me wanting more. I am grateful to ARC Bratislava for the opportunity they offer me to make my debut in the world championship,” said Viscaal.
“Miro Konopka has worked hard to put a fully-fledged team on the grid and has been a respected member of the WEC paddock for years now. The fact that I meet another Dutchman in the person of Tijmen is a bonus. Tijmen and I have spoken regularly lately and I like him.”
“For me, the World Championship starts almost in my backyard as I do my first WEC race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. I’m very curious what it’s like to hunt through Eau Rouge with such an LMP2 monster. Of course I’m also looking at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a slanted eye, the dream of participating in it has come true thanks to ARC Bratislava. All in all I can’t wait to get into the car!”
Viscaal will combine his WEC activities with activities in the ELMS. This means that he will not have to sit still in the coming weeks: after the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, which will take place on Saturday 7 May, the 4 Hours of Imola will follow on Sunday 15 May. The prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for the second weekend in June.