Alessandro Latif competes in the opening rounds of the Blancpain Sprint Series in France over Easter (20-21 Apr) aiming to make a point.

Latif, who celebrated his 18th birthday last week (11 Apr), shares a Phoenix Racing entered Audi R8 LMS ultra sportscar with Germany’s 2012 FIA GT1 champion Marc Basseng in two races of one-hour each at Nogaro in France.

London-born Latif began his hectic 2014 season by placing fifth and eighth respectively in the Daytona 24 and Sebring 12 Hour races Stateside for the American Audi customer team Flying Lizard Motorsports but now fully focuses on his maiden Blancpain series campaign in Europe.

“I’m super excited about competing in the Blancpain series for Phoenix Racing and have been counting down the days since the programme was agreed last month,” confirmed Alessandro.

“The series is the pinnacle of GT3 racing in Europe and there is an amazing level of competition in terms of both teams and drivers. I am fully focused and aiming for a top result at Nogaro.”

Latif will make his race debut for double Spa 24 Hour race winners Phoenix Racing in his maiden Blancpain race on Easter Sunday in a one-hour “Qualification Race” with the one-hour “Main Race” on Easter Monday.

Alessandro continued: “I haven’t studied the entry list but I am confident we will be right there. I’ve quickly settled into the team and am feeling very good in the Phoenix Audi.

“Nogaro marks my first races with Marc [Basseng] but I worked well with him at the last [Nürburgring] test and am really looking forward to having him as my team-mate.”

Almost 25 cars will contest the races staged on the 2.259-mile Nogaro track in South West France including two former Formula One drivers, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Alex Zanardi.

“My main objective at Easter will be to score some solid points so that we can go on and fight for the championship title later in the year,” added Latif.

“I’ve not raced on any of the tracks on the Blancpain calendar although I had my first test for Phoenix at Nogaro in March.

“It’s an unusual circuit – short and tight with a slippery surface. It’s not my favourite kind of track layout but I will adapt. The Audi handles well considering the low grip levels available but the key will be to look after the Audi’s tyres.”

The rear-wheel-drive 190mph Audi R8 is powered by a V10 engine and has won 23 championship titles worldwide since its race debut in 2009.