Jack Doohan Prepares for ELMS Debut with Nielsen Racing
Barcelona, Spain – Jack Doohan, reserve driver for Haas F1, embarks on a pivotal chapter of his racing career as he joins Nielsen Racing’s #24 entry in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) LMP2 class. After a year-long hiatus from competitive racing, the 23-year-old Australian is keen to make his mark in sportscars.
Transitioning from a rigorous Formula 1 environment under Alpine, Doohan is focused on acclimating to the ORECA 07 chassis and the nuances of endurance racing. During pre-season testing in Barcelona, he has engaged in two days of critical track time, partnered with fellow rookie Edward Pearson and experienced driver Roy Nissany.
“Preparation is crucial, and while there’s excitement, I feel prepared,” Doohan stated. “It’s been essential to get back into the rhythm after a long break,” he added, acknowledging the challenges of returning to competitive driving after nearly a year off.
Doohan emphasized the importance of teamwork and the support from Nielsen’s engineering staff. “I’ve got great teammates,” he remarked, highlighting Nissany’s extensive experience and Pearson’s potential as a strong Silver driver.
With 11 competitive entries in the LMP2 field this season, the championship presents a steep learning curve. Doohan expressed a pragmatic outlook: “I’m focusing on race familiarity and traffic management. It’s tough to gauge where we stand ahead of our first race.”
Looking forward, Doohan remains uncertain about the trajectory of his career, balancing his ambitions between sportscars and the potential for a return to Formula 1. “While the ultimate goal is still Formula 1, I see great opportunities in sportscars too,” he concluded.
As the ELMS season kicks off, all eyes will be on Doohan to see how he adapts to this new racing landscape.
