Two-times LMP2 class-winner in the Le Mans 24 Hours, Tommy Erdos, will get the chance to drive the Nissan ZEOD RC at Le Mans in June. The Brazilian has been named as the substitute for regular Nissan drivers Lucas Ordoñez and Satoshi Motoyama at the official test day on June 1st.

Ordoñez, the inaugural winner of the annual Nissan GT Academy in 2008, and Motoyama are unable to take up the testing option due to their full-season commitments in Super GT that weekend. “Tommy obviously has a tremendous record at Le Mans and being from Brazil adds additional international flavour to our line-up,” said Darren Cox, Nissan Global Head of Brand, Marketing & Sales, NISMO. “Getting somebody with Le Mans experience to help develop the car at the test day was challenging the way the calendar fell with a clashing Super GT event that same weekend. Tommy is a very safe pair of hands and having him available to help out is a real bonus for the Nissan ZEOD RC program.”

“ This is a great opportunity to help a truly pioneering project,” said a delighted Tommy Erdos. “A full lap of the Le Mans circuit on battery power alone will certainly be a first in motorsport history…I can’t wait to try it at the test day!”

“The entire ZEOD RC Team is working very hard to make sure all systems are green for the test day and of course for the big day, June 14th, when the race itself starts. I feel very fortunate to be involved with the test programme and I look forward to contributing towards the project’s success. It will be a special feeling to watch the car take the start of the 24 Hours and an even more emotional one to see it cross the chequered flag the following day. Hats off to Nissan for pushing the boundaries of technology and showcasing it in what is undoubtedly the biggest Sportscar race in the planet.”

Lucas Ordoñez, Wolfgang Reip and Satoshi Motoyama are the confirmed drivers in the full ZEOD RC race program, which will compete as the Garage 56 entry in the Le Mans 24Hours on June 14-15