Aussie to partner Tagliani in LMP3 series

Australian GT driver Greg Taylor will join former IndyCar ace Alex Tagliani for a campaign in the inaugural FRD LMP3 Series in Asia.

The duo will drive a Ligier JS LMP3 prototype for top Asian outfit Craft Bamboo Racing in the five-round series, which begins in China next month.

Tagliani will lead the team having enjoyed a successful open wheel career in America that saw the Canadian contest more than 200 races in IndyCar, Champ Car and CART.

The 43-year-old has also raced in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and driven prototype sportscars in the United SportsCar Championship.

“I feel this series will become very popular and it is what made me accept the deal and want to race here,” said Tagliani.

“The big thing in sportscar racing is your team-mate and I’ve heard great things about Greg and I think that the pairing becomes a big part of the decision.

“These were all a factor in choosing to race with Craft-Bamboo and I can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, the opportunity sees Australian businessman Taylor take the next step in his motor racing career having focussed on GT3 racing in recent years.

The former Australian GT Trophy Series winner made his LMP3 debut at the Gulf 12 Hours in December last year, where he won the prototype class alongside James Winslow and Neale Muston.

“I am very excited to be a part of the new FRD LMP3 series,” said Taylor.

“This series will see us competing at some fantastic circuits in China, which will all be new to me.

“I love driving the LMP3 cars and took victory in the Ligier JS P3 in the Gulf 12 Hours in 2016, so I’m looking forward to returning back to the cockpit of the LMP3.

“Being paired with Alex is fantastic, I’m sure it will be a rewarding experience that I will be able to learn a lot from.  I can’t wait to get the season started.”

Taylor is not the only Australian set to compete in the series following the announcement that Tasmanian Josh Burdon will race for the highly rated KCMG squad.