Andy Wallace signs with Creation

CREATION AUTOSPORTIF SIGN LE MANS WINNER

Creation has stolen a march on many of its rivals for this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans by securing the talents of one of sportscar's most experienced drivers, Andy Wallace.

Team owner, Michael Jankowski, is delighted with the team's new signing. "Andy has done more Le Mans races than I can remember. He brings fantastic experience to the team as well as knowledge and pace."

The Briton won the French endurance classic overall with Jaguar in 1988, and has subsequently had two GTP class wins. He has also won the 24 Hours of Daytona (3 times), the Sebring 12 Hours, Petit Le Mans, Championships and more races in more series than most.

For his 17th participation at Le Mans, Andy will be joining Nicolas Minassian and Jamie Campbell-Walter at the wheel of the Michelin-shod DBA 03S-Judd.

Speaking from the US, where he is taking part in this weekend's Homestead-Miami round of the Grand-American Series, Wallace was enthusiastic about his latest Le Mans adventure.

"I'm obviously extremely pleased to be joining Creation. They did a fantastic job last year in all their races even if, in some of them, they were not particularly lucky. With the few, but important, changes they've made for 2005, I really think they are on the right track. When you look at what Creation have done in the short time they've been around, I think they will be a force to be reckoned with.

"It will be nice to join up with Jamie again -- we competed together in a Lister in the 2002 Spa 24 Hrs - and I'm looking forward to driving with Nic. He's really fast and a really nice guy!

"The team seem to be right on top of all the things that matter and I certainly consider that having Michelin tyres is a big bonus for Le Mans. They are just so superior there. It's going to be a tough race because of the competition but, as long as we don't have any reliability problems, Creation has a good shot of being at the front -- especially at the finish."

-ca-