F3 race winner Andy Meyrick will step up to the highly competitive Le Mans Series this year, following a successful test for the crack Kolles LMP squad. The 23 year-old racer, who dominated the 2008 British F3 National Class last year before being forced to pull out through ill health, will contest the five-race series, with the first race of the season kicking off in Barcelona on 3 April.

Meyrick will be racing in the pioneering diesel powered Audi R10 TDi, the same car that not only won Le Mans, but also secured the LMS, ALMS and Petite Le Mans titles in 2008.

2008 saw Meyrick rise to the attention of many in British F3, as the Welsh born racer dominated pre-season testing, and embarked on an impressive title challenge. Meyrick’s impressive form earnt him a place on the MSA Race Elite scheme, a programme designed to help talented young drivers progress, fronted by race winning ALMS driver David Brabham. Meyrick won seven races form 12 starts in 2008, until a life threatening illness forced him to miss the second half of the season. With a likely F3 National Class championship title evading him, Meyrick is more ambitious than ever as he joins the Kolles team.

Speaking about the season ahead, Meyrick said, “I’m really excited to be racing in LMS this season. We had various options available to us for the 2009 season, including a possible drive in British F3, but the chance to race in LMS was too good to turn down. The opportunity to work with a team of this level and to be able to work so closely with a manufacturer such as Audi is a great opportunity. It’s going to be a steep learning curve at first, but testing has gone well and I’m feeling confident about the season ahead.”

Dr. Colin Kolles added, “Andy dominated the F3 National Class, until his title charge was restrained by illness. The important thing is that he has now recovered from that virus and that he joins us healthy and determined to win. Andy is a fighter and I’m sure he will show potential in sportscars. We’re very happy that he’ll be joining us for 2009.”

Source : Andy Meyrick