24h Le Mans
At 23 years old, the young Brit with the playful smile perfectly represents the new generation of endurance drivers who brilliantly combine prototype and single-seater programs. In addition to his undeniable speed, Jann Mardenborough shares his passion for speed through his contagious enthusiasm, and is one of the strong contenders in the LM P2 class!
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Photo : Michel JAMIN / ACO
Following in the steps of Sebastian Vettel, Jean-Éric Vergne, Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley, to name but a few, this year Jann Mardenborough joined the ambitious Red Bull Junior Team. His main program is in the GP3 Series with Christian Horner's Arden International team. In 2014, his rise continues especially after his Hockenheim victory on July 20th, his first major success in single-seaters. Since his first experiences in karting, the Brit has come a heck of a long way...
At seven years of age, on summer holiday in Ibiza with his parents, Mardenborough learned how to drive a kart and it was love at first sight. For his eighth birthday, he only wanted one thing, driving lessons to perfect his technique in karting. Until he was 11, the Darlington native went to the local track every two weeks to experience the fun of crossing and passing. Though the machines were driven on a rental basis, the activity proved too expensive for parents and Mardenborough hung up his helmet. But deep down, it was only a postponement. Especially when he learned of the program put in place by Playstation and Nissan. He signed up, played Gran Turismo and won the Nissan GT Academy. Ever since, the likeable and happy Brit has participated twice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing third in 2013 and leading the LM P2 class in 2014. During his two experiences in La Sarthe, he proved to his opponents his professionalism and his true knack for speed. This young man has not gone through the different disciplines that lead to the highest level yet is able wthout difficulty to go up against competitors with experiences as intense as they are diverse.
Jann Mardenborough: "The training that Nissan gives us is remarkable. Reaching such a high level in single-seaters shows how good the program is. It is not only about letting GT Acadamy winners participate in real races. They push us each day to make progress. I continue everyday to learn and get better and the result I achieved today is proof it is working."
Pierre-Yves Riom / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO
