The Montpellier native now prepares for the next phase of his career : LM P2, which is just one step away from a factory drive in LM P1. This opportunity follows what was an outstanding season in the Renault Sport Trophy. His title led to an invitation to the official NISMO Super GT driver selection programme. At the same time, Andrea will prepare for his participation in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans this coming June with the Algarve Pro Racing Team, which has been selected by the organizers.

Recognizing his potential, Renault and Nissan have decided to promote him to “Alliance Athlete” and to support him for a season in LM P2, where the Japanese constructor is louted for its excellent engine programme.

Andrea Pizzitola will attend all the rounds of the ELMS championship. He will compete in four races with Algarve Pro Racing Team (Red Bull Ring, Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps and Estoril). He will be the reserve driver at Silverstone and Imola. He will participate in all technical briefings with the team and his team-mates.

In conjunction, Andrea Pizzitola will have a personalized training programme at Camp NISMO at Silverstone to prepare for his upcoming season. Fitness, psychology, media training, simulator work in the NISMO Lab and test days in the Ligier Nissan JSP2 with the team await the Frenchman ahead of his race debut.

Surrounded by Renault since he got his start in motor racing via the Clio Cup, Formula Renault 2.0 and the Renault Sport Trophy where he won his first major title, Andrea Pizzitola joined the Renault Sport R.S. 01 development team this winter. The Frenchman began his programme with sessions at Magny-Cours then Circuit Paul Ricard.

Jean-Pascal Dauce, Renault Sport Racing Director of Customer Competition : “We are very happy to have Andrea Pizzitola with us, as an Alliance Athlete as a development driver for the Renault Sport R.S. 01. Andrea has always had confidence in Renault and we are delighted to be able to rely on such a talented driver in various programmes. His presence in the ELMS as well as in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a NISMO LM P2 team is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the level of competitiveness that exists in the Renault Sport Trophy. There is no doubt that the 2016 competitors that will share the track with the ELMS at five of the six rounds on the calendar, will keep a close eye on Andrea’s results with a view toward their own futures !”

Andrea Pizzitola : “It is a real honour to represent the Renault-Nissan Alliance this season. I want to thank both Renault Sport and Nissan for this wonderful opportunity that will allow me to live out a childhood dream of participating in the 24-Hours of Le Mans. The first tests with Algarve Pro Racing Team were promising. Thanks to the excellent level of the Renault Sport Trophy and the technical qualities of the Renault Sport R.S. 01, I took my driving to the next level. This allowed me to quickly adapt to the LM P2 car, which was quickly confirmed in the lap times. I am hungry for success and look forward to transforming the confidence the Renault-Nissan Alliance is showing in me to victories !”