After winning the LMP3 title in 2020, British driver Tom Gamble put in some impressive performances in his LMP2 debut season with United Autosports in 2021.
The 20-year-old British driver took four podiums from the six races, including a win in the final race of the year at Portimão, finishing as Vice Champion alongside his teammates Phil Hanson and Jonathan Aberdein.
Tom Gamble returns in 2022 to try and go a step further and secure the LMP2 title with the Anglo-American team. He will be joined in the no22 United Autosports Oreca 07-Gibson by 2020 LMP2 Champion Phil Hanson, with the highly experienced Duncan Tappy stepping in for Jonathan Aberdein.
Q: Looking back at the 2021 season, how would you sum up your first season in LMP2?
Tom Gamble: “I was happy with how my first season in LMP2 went. Of course, we had our ups and downs but to finish on the podium in four out of the six races was very positive. I think we were constantly improving throughout the year too. At Spa we had great pace and should have come away with a win but then we finally got the win in the season finale at Portimão, which was an amazing way to finish the season.”
Q: This season you will be back with Phil Hanson, and you will be joined by fellow Brit Duncan Tappy. Can you tell us a bit about your two teammates?
TG: “I’m really excited about our lineup for the 2022 season. I raced with Phil last year and he was a great help for me with all his LMP2 experience. I’ve known Duncan for a few years now as we both joined United Autosports at the same time in LMP3. He’s got a lot of experience and I’m excited to see what he can do in the LMP2 car.”
Q: The LMP2 grid for the 2022 season is looking very strong once again.Who do you see as your main rivals this year and what are your goals for the upcoming season?
TG: “I think it’s tough to say who our main rivals will be at the minute. For sure, there are a lot of strong line ups which is great to see. I guess we’ll have more of an idea when we complete the first round of the season. The goal is simple, to go one step higher than last year and win the championship... it won’t be an easy task, but I’m very confident we have the tools to do the job.”
Q: Looking ahead to the ELMS season, which is your favourite track on the calendar and why?
TG: “It’s great to see some new tracks on the calendar this year. I’m super excited to go to Imola. I’ve never driven there before but a lot of people have told me how good it is, so I can’t wait to go there. I’d have to say Paul Ricard is probably my favourite circuit on the calendar. I’ve always been quite fast there, and I love the high-speed corners, so I’m really excited to see it as the opening round. It’s also great to see Portimão as the season finale once again, I have some great memories there in 2020, winning the LMP3 championship and of course last year where we took the win and secured second in the LMP2 championship.”
The 20-year-old British driver took four podiums from the six races, including a win in the final race of the year at Portimão, finishing as Vice Champion alongside his teammates Phil Hanson and Jonathan Aberdein.
Tom Gamble returns in 2022 to try and go a step further and secure the LMP2 title with the Anglo-American team. He will be joined in the no22 United Autosports Oreca 07-Gibson by 2020 LMP2 Champion Phil Hanson, with the highly experienced Duncan Tappy stepping in for Jonathan Aberdein.
Q: Looking back at the 2021 season, how would you sum up your first season in LMP2?
Tom Gamble: “I was happy with how my first season in LMP2 went. Of course, we had our ups and downs but to finish on the podium in four out of the six races was very positive. I think we were constantly improving throughout the year too. At Spa we had great pace and should have come away with a win but then we finally got the win in the season finale at Portimão, which was an amazing way to finish the season.”
Q: This season you will be back with Phil Hanson, and you will be joined by fellow Brit Duncan Tappy. Can you tell us a bit about your two teammates?
TG: “I’m really excited about our lineup for the 2022 season. I raced with Phil last year and he was a great help for me with all his LMP2 experience. I’ve known Duncan for a few years now as we both joined United Autosports at the same time in LMP3. He’s got a lot of experience and I’m excited to see what he can do in the LMP2 car.”
Q: The LMP2 grid for the 2022 season is looking very strong once again.Who do you see as your main rivals this year and what are your goals for the upcoming season?
TG: “I think it’s tough to say who our main rivals will be at the minute. For sure, there are a lot of strong line ups which is great to see. I guess we’ll have more of an idea when we complete the first round of the season. The goal is simple, to go one step higher than last year and win the championship... it won’t be an easy task, but I’m very confident we have the tools to do the job.”
Q: Looking ahead to the ELMS season, which is your favourite track on the calendar and why?
TG: “It’s great to see some new tracks on the calendar this year. I’m super excited to go to Imola. I’ve never driven there before but a lot of people have told me how good it is, so I can’t wait to go there. I’d have to say Paul Ricard is probably my favourite circuit on the calendar. I’ve always been quite fast there, and I love the high-speed corners, so I’m really excited to see it as the opening round. It’s also great to see Portimão as the season finale once again, I have some great memories there in 2020, winning the LMP3 championship and of course last year where we took the win and secured second in the LMP2 championship.”
