Mercedes strategist Vowles steps into McLaren for Asian Le Mans Series

James Vowles, head of strategy for Mercedes, will drive two races in the Asian Le Mans Series for Garage 59. The Briton will drive the Dubai Four Hours and Abu Dhabi Four Hours in a McLaren 720S GT3.

Vowles himself behind the wheel

During the Asian Le Mans Series, a special name will appear at the start. James Vowles will be driving for the Garage 59 team, the team states on their website. The Mercedes strategist has found time in his busy schedule to join the British team for two consecutive weekends.

At Garage 59, Vowles will share his car with Nicolai Kjaergaard and Manuel Maldonado, the nephew of former F1 driver Pastor Maldonado. A total of four four-hour races will be held. The Dubai Four Hours will be held on the weekend of February 12 and the Abu Dhabi Four Hours is scheduled one week later.

On time in Barcelona

The final race of the championship will be held on February 20 after which Vowles will travel from Abu Dhabi to Barcelona. He will then be in time to support Mercedes at the first pre-season session of the new Formula 1 season.