08 Feb Chosen the Isotta Fraschini – Duqueine drivers for the 2024 FIA WEC

Chosen the Isotta Fraschini – Duqueine drivers for the 2024 FIA WEC

The young Carl Wattana Bennet and Antonio Serravalle will join the more experienced Jean-Karl Vernay on the Tipo 6 LMH Competizione in the World Endurance Championship

The choice to focus on two very young but promising drivers will be the novelty of the 2024 FIA WEC, where highly experienced drivers are the majority. Carl Wattana Bennet, a 19-year-old Thai-American who is part of A14 Management (Fernando Alonso’s driver academy), is currently racing in LMP2 in the Asian Le Mans Series with Team Duqueine, the same team that will bring the Isotta Fraschini on track. Antonio Serravalle, a 21-year-old Italian-Canadian managed by Remstar Management, has already participated as a driver in LMP3, Indy Lights, F3 Americas Championship and Indy Pro 2000 Championship.

Jean-Karl Vernay, a 36-year-old French driver winner in many different categories, will be the mother hen to his two very young companions, thanks also to his big knowledge of the car, having helped develop it during last season. In his career, Vernay has won the French Formula Campus, the Indy Lights, the Porsche Carrera Cup, the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Porsche LMGTE Am, the TCR International Series, the WTCR Trophy, and finished second in the FIA F3 World Cup in Macao.

Claudio Berro, Motorsport Manager and Member of the Board of Isotta Fraschini Milano: «I am very curious to see how this mix of youth and experience will work in a really competitive championship like the FIA WEC. For Isotta Fraschini, these three drivers in the team are key since they’re going to become ambassadors of the brand in Europe, North America, and Asia, three strategic areas from a commercial point of view.

Jean-Karl Vernay: «Being involved in the project since the beginning, it’s super exciting for me. I think it’s fantastic news taking part in the FIA WEC 2024 season. Thank you to Isotta Fraschini and the Michelotto guys since the car is great, and thanks to Duqueine for the support. I can’t wait to be in Qatar. Of course, we’re having some young guys with Antonio and Carl, but I think we have a strong line-up. It won’t be easy because the people we are battling against are super-strong and with a lot of experience, that we don’t have, but I’m looking forward to it, and… let’s keep pushing!»

Antonio Serravalle: «I feel incredibly honored to compete for Isotta Fraschini and Michelotto Engineering, both with their rich history. Being part of the prestigious FIA WEC racing series, particularly in the top-tier LMH hypercar category, is truly surreal. I extend my gratitude to Duqueine and Remstar Management for believing in me and providing this extraordinary opportunity.».

Carl Bennett: «I am thrilled to announce my partnership with Isotta Duqueine for the highly anticipated World Endurance Championship season in 2024. This collaboration carries a profound significance for me as I proudly represent Thailand on the global stage of motorsports. Joining forces with Isotta Fraschini and Duqueine Team is a realization of a lifelong dream. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to A14 Management, Duqueine, Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, Amerasian Fragrance Research, and everyone involved in making this partnership possible. Their support and belief in my capabilities have paved the way for this incredible opportunity. I am committed to giving my absolute best. Together with Isotta Duqueine, I am confident that we will achieve great things together.».