Toyota will get a head begin with its Hypercar this yr, however in 2022 Peugeot will be part of it, after which Audi’s LMDh contender will emerge, adopted in brief order by one from Porsche. Extra producers might effectively comply with in each courses. Probably, it’s a unbelievable time for a younger driver to be constructing a profession in long-distance sports activities automotive racing – even when, for now, Hanson have to be affected person.
“The game is in a wierd place in the meanwhile with Covid and the impact it’s having,” he says. “It has pushed again the brand new rules for LMH and LMDh, so if that’s my future, it’s one other yr away.
“It does appear affordable to remain in LMP2, as a result of it’s the category with probably the most competitors, which is rising yr on yr. It’s attracting drivers from in every single place, together with F1 and DTM.
“We’re in the proper place, and it’s the very best proving floor to check your self with the very best. If I can show I’m on the prime of it, I’ll be proving myself among the many greatest on this planet. That may spotlight me for the producers if and after they do are available [to LMH and LMDh].”
There’s a key transition that Hanson should now make. Up to now, his profession has been bankrolled by his rich father – however in some unspecified time in the future, he must be signed by a workforce purely on advantage. To turn into a real skilled, he must make his dwelling as a racing driver.
“I undoubtedly really feel I’m on the producers’ lists of drivers, it’s only a query of how excessive up and the way assured they might be to place me on the prime,” asserts Hanson, who’s hungry for general Le Mans wins and WEC titles. “Being younger helps, nevertheless it provides you disadvantages on the similar time. They’ve the prospect of an extended profession with you, however you don’t convey the identical expertise. It’s that trade-off. However I’m 21 and I’ve already raced at Le Mans 4 instances, so after they do their homework and see my performances… I’m not simply bringing youth.”
