Dutch driver Kay Van Berlo returns to the ELMS in 2022 for a full season with United Autosports. The 21-year-old driver made his ELMS debut in 2018, racing for Eurointernational alongside Giorgio Mondini and became the youngest winner in ELMS winner when he stood on the top step of the podium at Monza at the age of just 17.
Van Berlo has successfully raced in North America, securing the vice champions title in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Pro class with seven wins.His 2022 season got off to a great start when he finished on the podium in the LMP3 class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Round 1 of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
Kay Van Berlo is now preparing for his next challenge by returning to the ELMS for a shot at the 2022 LMP3 title with United Autosports.
Q: Welcome back to the ELMS. You last raced in the series back in 2018 when you scored two podiums, including a win at Monza. What attracted you back to the ELMS with United Autosports this season?
Kay Van Berlo:“Ever since my European Le Mans series debut season back in 2018, I have been following the series closely. Although my career path changed a little bit back then, shifting from endurance to sprint racing, I always had the desire to return one day to the ELMS paddock as a more experienced driver.
“What I like about ELMS is the series format, the high level of competition and the beautiful tracks they visit each year. The 4-hour race format is very enjoyable but challenging at the same time considering that it feels like a sprint race because of the level of competition, but it also has all the characteristics of an endurance race. This format sets ELMS apart from other endurance races.
“The series always comes up a great calendar, visiting the most high-end tracks available in Europe whilst maintaining a great balance between the characteristics of each individual track.”
Q: This season you will be joined by James McGuire and Andrew Bentley in the no3 Ligier-Nissan.Can you tell us a bit about your two teammates?
KVB: “I have raced with James back in the 2018/19 Asian Le Mans series and a couple of races in the IMSA series. James showed some really good pace back then and seems to be even faster today. In addition to his LMP3 program in ELMS, he stepped up to LMP2 last year and scored several podiums already in the United States.
“Racing an LMP2 car around tracks like Sebring and Road Atlanta isn’t an easy task, but he showed what he is capable of and adapted quickly. I’m sure that the experience he gained over the years made him even faster. Sharing the car with him has always been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see the progress he has made over the years.
“Although I never raced with Andrew before, I worked closely with him as a driver coach during the Asian Le Mans Series. In addition, he has been racing LMP3 for a couple of years now and has shown some really good pace over the years. I am super excited to share the car this year with two fast and experienced drivers like James and Andrew.”
Q: The LMP3 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?
KVB: “Main rivals? Definitely Eurointernational as my brother Glenn will be racing for them. Jokes aside, I don’t look at any of our competitors as main rivals. We have a clear goal of scoring podiums and wins this season and to finish on top in the championship standings. To achieve this, we need to focus on our own progress and make sure we are in our best shape when the lights go out on Sunday.”
Q: Looking ahead to the ELMS season, which is your favourite track on the calendar and why?
KVB: “Imola, because the track itself is just amazing. The elevation changes and variety of corners makes it so much fun to drive, especially with a LMP3 car that has quite a lot of downforce.Also, the track itself has a lot of history and is located right in the middle of the town, which sets itself apart from other tracks. I am also a big coffee fan and there isn’t a better place to get a good cup of coffee than in Italy.”
Van Berlo has successfully raced in North America, securing the vice champions title in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Pro class with seven wins.His 2022 season got off to a great start when he finished on the podium in the LMP3 class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Round 1 of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
Kay Van Berlo is now preparing for his next challenge by returning to the ELMS for a shot at the 2022 LMP3 title with United Autosports.
Q: Welcome back to the ELMS. You last raced in the series back in 2018 when you scored two podiums, including a win at Monza. What attracted you back to the ELMS with United Autosports this season?
Kay Van Berlo:“Ever since my European Le Mans series debut season back in 2018, I have been following the series closely. Although my career path changed a little bit back then, shifting from endurance to sprint racing, I always had the desire to return one day to the ELMS paddock as a more experienced driver.
“What I like about ELMS is the series format, the high level of competition and the beautiful tracks they visit each year. The 4-hour race format is very enjoyable but challenging at the same time considering that it feels like a sprint race because of the level of competition, but it also has all the characteristics of an endurance race. This format sets ELMS apart from other endurance races.
“The series always comes up a great calendar, visiting the most high-end tracks available in Europe whilst maintaining a great balance between the characteristics of each individual track.”
Q: This season you will be joined by James McGuire and Andrew Bentley in the no3 Ligier-Nissan.Can you tell us a bit about your two teammates?
KVB: “I have raced with James back in the 2018/19 Asian Le Mans series and a couple of races in the IMSA series. James showed some really good pace back then and seems to be even faster today. In addition to his LMP3 program in ELMS, he stepped up to LMP2 last year and scored several podiums already in the United States.
“Racing an LMP2 car around tracks like Sebring and Road Atlanta isn’t an easy task, but he showed what he is capable of and adapted quickly. I’m sure that the experience he gained over the years made him even faster. Sharing the car with him has always been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see the progress he has made over the years.
“Although I never raced with Andrew before, I worked closely with him as a driver coach during the Asian Le Mans Series. In addition, he has been racing LMP3 for a couple of years now and has shown some really good pace over the years. I am super excited to share the car this year with two fast and experienced drivers like James and Andrew.”
Q: The LMP3 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?
KVB: “Main rivals? Definitely Eurointernational as my brother Glenn will be racing for them. Jokes aside, I don’t look at any of our competitors as main rivals. We have a clear goal of scoring podiums and wins this season and to finish on top in the championship standings. To achieve this, we need to focus on our own progress and make sure we are in our best shape when the lights go out on Sunday.”
Q: Looking ahead to the ELMS season, which is your favourite track on the calendar and why?
KVB: “Imola, because the track itself is just amazing. The elevation changes and variety of corners makes it so much fun to drive, especially with a LMP3 car that has quite a lot of downforce.Also, the track itself has a lot of history and is located right in the middle of the town, which sets itself apart from other tracks. I am also a big coffee fan and there isn’t a better place to get a good cup of coffee than in Italy.”
