Irish sportscar team, Murphy Prototypes will race in Italy this weekend in the European Le Mans Series. The team competes in the second round of the FIA ELMS campaign in its Murphy Prototypes LMP2 Nissan-Oreca.

Following the British round at Silverstone last month, Imola is the second race of the season.

Team principal, Greg Murphy said: "We are looking to make up some of the ground lost at Silverstone. Brendon Hartley did an amazing job during the torrential rain to lead the race, he showed real pace. However, we didn't finish in the points, so we are coming to Imola looking for a good result. The car has demonstrated its potential, and we have a great backroom team in Brackley and great drivers in Brendon and Mark, so it's all to play for this weekend."

Murphy Prototypes' Imola driving duties are shared by New Zealander Brendon Hartley and South African Mark Patterson.

Hartley said: "Confidence is really high, because at Silverstone we were quick. As a team we know there's a lot we can do to improve in every aspect, so it's quite exciting going to Imola and thinking further ahead to Le Mans. I'm confident we're going to be competitive."

The Imola round of the ELMS starts at 3pm (Irish Summer Time) this Saturday, May 18. Mark Patterson and Brendon Hartley will be putting the Murphy Prototypes Nissan-Oreca 03 through its paces during first practice on Friday (May 17) at 11am (IST). Qualifying is on Saturday at 9.30am (IST).