Shortly before the opening round of the 2019 ELMS season at the Paul Ricard circuit, Panis-Barthez Competition welcomes Leonard Hoogenboom within its ranks. The Dutch driver, aged 19, will make his LMP2 debut alongside Timothé Buret and Konstantin Tereschenko on car # 24. The rookie is not a novice in endurance and will be on track Monday, at the official tests of the 4 Hours of Castellet, as the 2018 Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 champion.

Olivier Panis – Panis-Barthez Competition Team Principal :"Always keen to develop and accompany the career of young drivers, with Sarah and Simon Abadie we are delighted to welcome Leonard into our team. During private tests, he proved us his ability to adapt quickly to the Ligier JS P217. The 19-year old 2018 Michelin Le Mans Cup champion showed great maturity. Leonard, Timothé and Konstantin compose a great trio of talented youngsters who promise to do great things on the track."

Leonard Hoogenboom – Ligier JS P217 #24 driver : "I am very happy to join a new category and a new team with such big names. Coming from LMP3, it’s great to make such a step forward in terms of performance, aero, grip and speed. I’ve driven the car during a test and it was really impressive. My goal is to learn but deliver. I know the tracks, so it will help. Now it’s important to be with my teammates, Tim and Konstantin, so we can push in the same direction. I can’t wait to be in Le Castellet for the Prologue test days."

ELMS 2019 CALENDAR :

•April 8-9: Collective tests - Paul Ricard
•April 12-14: 4 Hours of Castellet
•May 10-12: 4 Hours of Monza
• July19-21: 4 Hours of Barcelona
•August 30-31: 4 Hours of Silverstone
•September 20-22: 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
•October 25-27: 4 Hours of Portimão