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Jann Mardenborough chasing Nissan LMP1 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours seat

Jann Mardenborough is targeting a place in Nissan's LMP1 team when the Japanese marque returns to the top class at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2015

The 22-year-old Nissan protege performed well at Le Mans this year driving the G-Drive-backed OAK Racing Ligier that was on course for LMP2 victory before losing time with an engine problem.

While no decision has been made on whether Mardenborough will be promoted to the LMP1 line-up, his strong showings in Nissan-powered machinery at Le Mans during the past two years would make him a logical candidate for its outright victory assault.

"I'd love to be involved in that project but nothing is guaranteed," Mardenborough told AUTOSPORT.

"People high up in Nissan have said that none of the GT Academy drivers are guaranteed a place in this project.

"But it's something to work towards and it is a goal.

"I'll continue pushing to show the guys that are part of the project that I am worthy of the role."

'LE MANS PROVES LIFE IS UNFAIR'

Mardenborough, whose focus is on his GP3 campaign with Arden this year, finished fifth in LMP2 this year alongside Alex Brundle and fellow Nissan GT Academy product Mark Shulzhitskiy.

He feels that his driving at Le Mans has taken a step forward this year despite describing missing out on victory as "very gutting".

"There are positives to take from my second Le Mans and it was a massive thrill to be able to start the race for the second time.

"I am less disappointed than I was last year for coming fourth - which became third in the end - because I'm a bit more experienced and look on the brighter side.

"I found a nice rhythm pushing the car but not damaging it over the kerbs too much, so it was easy to do that and just stay in the zone.

"I learned a lot about how to keep the tyres consistent over stints with heavy fuel on old tyres and brought it home.

"It's very cruel, Le Mans, and it tells you that life is unfair so you try and take the best from it.

"It certainly makes me more determined, and certainly Nissan as well, to come back next year, hopefully for my third time."

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