Manor Motorsport has announced it will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship this season in the LMP2 class.
In its 27th year of competition, the British outfit will debut in the series in 2016 and compete at the famous Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time.
Manor’s full driver line-up will be confirmed ahead of the first pre-season test at the Paul Ricard circuit at the end of March. However, the team has revealed one driver for the 2016 season.
Tor Graves has past experience racing for Manor in single-seaters and has experience racing in the LMP2 class after a sting in the WEC in 2012. He has signed a two-year contract with Manor to race in the endurance category.
One Oreca LMP2 05 will be entered by Manor in the championship, with the car powered by a Nissan engine.
"We are delighted to be joining the World Endurance Championship," said John Booth, Manor team principal. "It is a fantastic series that visits iconic tracks all over the world. The level of competition is very high and we are really looking forward to racing again.
"The LMP2 class is specifically designed for teams independent of manufacturers and/or engine suppliers which places the focus firmly on how the team performs. I can’t wait to see the car running now. We have lots to do but we have a great team of people to get it all done.”
Sporting director Graeme Lowdon added: "It’s really great to be racing again and the FIA World Endurance Championship provides a fantastic challenge for us. Preâ€season testing starts soon and there is a lot to do but we have never been afraid of a bit of hard work.
"There is a real buzz within the team at the moment, we have enjoyed great support from the fans over the last few months and we are very keen for them to get fully involved in what we are doing. We all have a great passion for motorsport and we are keen to share that passion.”
