When they founded Panis-Barthez Compétition, team principal Olivier Panis and driver Fabien Barthez clearly stated their intention to recruit young up-and-coming drivers. It was therefore no surprise that Sporting Director Renaud Derlot selected Buret, whose 21st birthday falls just before the Le Mans test day.

The Montpellier-born driver already has some experience in endurance, having raced in several championships, including the Endurance Series and the VdeV. To further his career, he had no qualms about crossing the Atlantic last year to contest the Pro Mazda, which is to the IndyCar Series what the GP3 Series is to Formula One. He won a race on the legendary Indianapolis circuit and finished the season in fifth place.

Olivier Panis, team principal: It’s great to have Timothé Buret on board. We’re all really pleased. His career choices show his grit and determination and he has been successful in a variety of disciplines, so he is a perfect match for us. He convinced us that he really wants to make headway in endurance and this season we’ll be doing all we can to help him rise to the challenge.
Buret and Barthez, whose teammate will be announced at a later date, will be on track on 22 and 23 March for the official ELMS tests at Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France.

Cécile Bonardel / ACO — Translated by Emma Paulay (quote translated from team press release)

PHOTO: Timothé Buret