Pipo Derani with Ford in several races

Luis Felipe Derani will drive the No. 67 Ford GT at Silverstone, Spa and the 24 Hours of Le Mans after having defended the colors of ESM in the WEC.

Published on 02/02/2017 à 18:43

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With the withdrawal of WEC of Extreme Speed Motorsports, Luis Felipe Derani's future in the WEC seemed compromised. The winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring last year will nevertheless be able to bounce back with Chip Ganassi Racing.

The American team will field the 23-year-old Brazilian in the No. 67 Ford GT at Silverstone (April 16), Spa (May 6) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 17 and 18) alongside Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknell, replacing Dario Franchitti who supported the British last year.

Billy Johnson will be in the same situation, racing again with Olivier Pla and Stefan Mücke in the No. 66 during the first three races of the calendar.

Ford will look to maintain its victory won last year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Sébastien Bourdais, Joey Hand and Dirk Müller entered the No. 68, while Ryan Briscoe, Richard Westbrook and Scott Dixon at the wheel of the No. 69.

“It’s interesting to come back. But also a little stressful because everyone will be looking at us. We set the bar very high last year and now we are expected. We have to do it again and it's quite a challenge.", commented the four-time Champ Car champion.