Magnussen joined by father for sportscar return

Ewan Gale
Wednesday 19 October 2022 15:57

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen is to return to sportscar racing at the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi this winter, alongside father Jan.

Magnussen Jr spent last year with Chip Ganassi Racing in the IMSA Sportscar championship in the United States, only to be given a surprise recall to F1 after Haas terminated Nikita Mazepin's contract.

But the Dane will share a Ferrari 488 GT3, run by MDK Motorsports in partnership with AF Corse, with former F1 driver, multiple Le Mans and IMSA class winner Magnussen Sr and team owner Mark Kvamme, who won the AM class at the race earlier this year before going onto becoming the Porsche Carrera Cup North America AM champion.

The Magnussens teamed up at last year's Le Mans 24 Hours and will have another chance to enter battle side-by-side.

"Mark and I met at the Miami Grand Prix weekend and somehow the idea of racing together in Abu Dhabi turned up," explained Magnussen Jr.

"We called my father and the team was set. MDK Motorsports is driven by passionate and professional racers, and I enjoy working with these guys.

"I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together. Of course, I’m also extremely grateful to be given another chance of driving together with my father and hopefully even trying to win a race."

Magnussen Sr added: "I can’t imagine a better way to round off the season! Huge thanks to MDK Motorsports for setting up this program and putting Kevin and me in the same car again.

"I had the chance of driving the Ferrari 488 at Le Mans in 2020, and it’s a very proper race car.

"Combine that with an experienced team and three drivers that really want to race, and let’s see what we can do. I’m sure it’s going to be fun!"

The Gulf 12 Hours takes place on December 11 at the Yas Marina Circuit.