Aussie ex single seater driver and current Graff Racing LMP2 pilot James Allen is set to combine with Ben Hanley in a two man driver crew aboard the #10 DragonSpeed BR1 Gibson for the six Hours of Fuji next month.

Team Principal Elton Julian has confirmed that Henrik Hedman will not make the trip to Fuji, with Pietro Fittipaldi, initially slated for his return to the team after suffering leg injuries in a major shunt at Spa, opting to concentrate on recovery time, and his IndyCar commitments to ensure that he is fully prepared for 2019.

Elton Julian: “It’s no secret we struggled with the BR1 Gibson at Silverstone. This was a weekend of abnormalities and we move forward with a better understanding of our package looking to show more of the potential so often shown in induividual sessions throughout the season thus far.

“We will race with a new lineup at Fuji. Continuing with our team primary driver, Ben Hanley and putting our trust in young James Allen, one of the best LMP2 performers over the last 1 1/2 seasons in the ELMS. James has put in some very impressive drives over the last season and has been able to secure p3 in the ELMS championship last year in his rookie Sportscar campaign.

“I have no doubt he will settle in nicely within the more complex LMP1 program and work closely with Ben, our Engineers and the entire team to bring us the results this program deserves. I think we’ve got something here”

James Allen: “I’m very excited about this amazing opportunity to race in the WEC 6 Hours of Fuji with Dragonspeed and I’m very grateful to Elton Julian and his team for putting their faith in me. From my experience in racing in ELMS, Dragonspeed have consistently shown that they are a very professional, well run team and Ben Hanley has always been one of the top drivers of the championship. I’m really looking forward to driving with him and working with the team at Fuji.”