Lepesqueux to race second Larbre Porsche 991 and partner reigning champion Gael Castelli in 2014Triple French Endurance Karting champion aims to finish in the top-three of the Young Talents Trophy
Larbre Compétition has announce that karting sensation Antoine Lepesqueux will drive their second car in the upcoming Porsche Carrera Cup France season.
The Vigeant-based squad, which made their racing debut in the category 25 years ago, enjoys a strong driver line-up with Lepesqueux joining reigning champion Gael Castelli.
Known for nurturing young talent through endurance racing, Larbre Team Manager Jack Leconte has enrolled another young driver in the Young Talents category. Leconte will look to repeat the success he enjoyed with now established stars Emmanuel Collard, Stéphane Ortelli and Sébastien Bourdais, all of whom raced at Le Mans.
Lepesqueux, who started karting in 2007, can now rely on Larbre’s vast experience to make a smooth switch to the series. Although 2014 will be about learning as much as possible, he has already set himself the ambitious goal of achieving a top-three finish in the Rookie category.
The young Frenchman will begin his preparations with Larbre during this month’s Porsche test day at Paul Ricard on 18-20 March.Antoine Lepesqueux: “After enjoying much success in karting, I was willing to tackle a completely new challenge. That’s why I decided to switch to sportscar racing. In order to do so, I was keen to find a competitive championship that could open up new perspectives, and Porsche Carrera Cup France seemed ideal. I contacted Larbre, a team with a fantastic racing pedigree and a great deal of expertise when it comes to winning. As I embark on a new journey in motorsport, joining Larbre and Jack is an obvious choice. Building on this new partnership, I will look to improve throughout the season and secure a top-three finish in the Rookie category.”
Jack Leconte, Team Manager: “Ahead of our Porsche Carrera Cup France return in 2014, Larbre has prepared thoroughly to perform well. After recruiting reigning champion Gaël Castelli, who will defend his title in the A classification, we aimed at entering a second car, this time in the Young Talents Trophy.
“The latter category has proved to be a fantastic training ground for endurance hopefuls, particularly thanks to the Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship. It will come as no surprise that we’re very keen to be a part of it.
“We have always been willing to support young talents and help thereach international blue riband events. That’s why we elected to place our second 991 in the hands of a junior Porsche driver. “I met Antoine, a fantastic karter, through my good friend Bernard Simmenauer who is in charge of 917 Racing Team. His two karting victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours – a place filled with motorsport history and where Larbre secured their greatest ever results – certainly caught our attention.
“Helping Antoine settle into GT racing provides the team with a major boost. We have designed a specific programme for him so that he can acquire as much experience as possible before and throughout the season. As the Young Talents Trophy gets underway, he will hopefully be able to race in the midfield and challenge for the podium.
“Spurred on by our ambitious goals, the Larbre team will start preparing on March 19 when the Porsche 991 Cup cars are unveiled at the Paul Ricard circuit.
“We are delighted to be racing in Porsche Carrera Cup France this year, a genuine competition where the Balance of Performance does not play any part. We cannot wait for the season to kick off.”
Antoine Lepesqueux (born 14 February 1993, age 21)20131st: France Endurance Karting Championship (five wins in six races) 1st: Le Mans 24 Hours (Karting)10th: Supernationals Las Vegas (DD2 category)2012 1st: France Endurance Karting Championship1st: French Rotax DD2 Championship 1st: NSK Championship, Bridgestone Cup1st: Le Mans 24 Hours (Karting) 20111st: France Endurance Karting Championship1st: Rotax International Open (DD2 category)20103rd: Rotax French Championship 20091st: France/Nationale Championship2nd: Rotax France/Nationale Championship20071st: Rotax France/Nationale Championship
