In addition to the Blancpain Endurance Series, Mark Shulzhitskiy, winner of the 2012 GT Academy Russia competition will compete in the remaining rounds of the European Le Mans Series, starting with next week’s race at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Mark will race the No.28 Greaves Motorsport Zytek-Nissan, alongside 2012 FIA Formula Two Champion, Luciano Bacheta.

Shulzhitskiy made his LM P2 debut with Greaves Motorsport, in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship round in Shanghai. His performance then was impressive enough to earn him a seat at the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. Racing for Nissan in the Oak Racing Ligier-Nissan, Mark became the rookie everyone was talking about after a very professional showing.

“Racing a P2 car is a big opportunity for me,” said Mark. “My recent experience at Le Mans was very special. Le Mans is such a fast, dangerous and unpredictable race. Coupled with that I was in a very fast car, with very fast team mates and a top team so the pressure was on for me. I learnt a lot and just that one race has made me a lot stronger.

“I was very happy to get the chance to continue my P2 education with Greaves Motorsport,” he continued. “Jacob (Greaves) has built a very strong and friendly team and it is a great place for me to return to improve my skills. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys and getting down to work.”

“I was surprised that people were surprised by Jann Mardenborough’s pace at Le Mans last month,” said Cox. “He showed incredible pace at last year’s race so we knew he would deliver this time around. Now, if everyone was paying attention at Le Mans they will have noticed Mark’s pace. I certainly noticed it and that is why he is now racing in the European Le Mans Series.”

The remaining rounds of the 2014 European Le Mans Series take place at Austria’s Red Bull Ring (20 July), Paul Ricard in France (14 September and at Estoril in Portugal (19 October).