After three seasons in single seater racing, the Visit Angola ambassador takes another significant step in his career, making his sportscar debut next year, as the first Angolan to ever race an LMP2 car.
Andrade made his circuit racing debut in Spanish F4 but progressed quickly during an intense three-pronged 2019 campaign in Euroformula Open, Formula Renault Eurocup and UAE F4, in which he achieved seven podiums and two fastest laps.
A solid performance in the 2020 TRS in New Zealand preceded a second EuroFormula Open season, which yielded 11 top ten finishes and a best result of sixth, but the 21-year old is now getting set to fly the flag for his home country Angola in the Asian Le Mans Series.
Rui will share the #25 Oreca 07 LMP2 car with fellow Bullet Athlete Franco Colapinto, and 2017 ELMS LMP3 Champion John Falb during the course of a unique Asian Le Mans Series season, that will take place in Abu Dhabi, consisting of four four -hour races at the Yas Marina circuit.
“I just can’t wait to get back to Abu Dhabi, as it’s where my career really kicked off when I got seven podiums in UAE F4,” said Andrade. “To be returning just a few years later in LMP2 is incredible. Before the test in Portimao, I had a few different opportunities lined-up, but I knew this was the one I wanted to pursue as soon as I arrived. Algarve Pro Racing is so professional and friendly, and they helped me to learn the new car quickly so I could focus on improving my lap times. I think we’re going to have an incredible Asian Le Mans season together and I’m looking forward to returning to the UAE to fly the Angolan flag once again.”
The 2021 Asian Le Mans Series Season kicks off on February 5.