French prototype outfit TDS Racing will return to the World Endurance Championship LMP2 category for the 2018-19 'super season'.
The team has confirmed a single ORECA 07-Gibson to be driven by Matthieu Vaxiviere, François Perrodo and former Audi LMP1 star Loïc Duval, who replaces Emmanuel Collard in the all-French lineup.
Duval made a one-off appearance at this year's 6 Hours of Bahrain in a G-Drive badged TDS ORECA, but spent most of 2017 racing in DTM with Audi and Formula E with Dragon Racing.
During his time with Audi, Duval won six WEC races, including the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours with Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish.
“I am very happy to come back to the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside my Audi program, and more over I am very excited about the environment in which I will compete," said Duval.
"TDS Racing is a very professional race team, but with strong family values, not only is this season going to be great fun, I am looking forward to help Francois improve and be Matthieu’s wing man."
TDS Racing finished eighth in the 2017 LMP2 standings, while its sister G-Drive Racing entry ended the year sixth.
The team stepped up to the WEC this year after six seasons in the European Le Mans Series, which it won outright in 2012.
No announcement has been made by G-Drive about its plans for 2018, with only the single TDS-run ORECA confirmed so far.
"During the 2017 WEC season, François and Matthieu have shown continuous improvements in LMP2 racing, they have consolidated their driving skills and race craft in what has proved to be an extremely competitive environment," said team manager Xavier Combet.
"Teamed with Loïc Duval, who has very strong experience in endurance [racing], this second season for us promises to be very exciting."
"We can’t wait to get back on the World Endurance Championship circuits, and challenge the other LMP2 teams and drivers.”
The 2018-19 WEC 'super season' begins with the 6 Hours of Spa on May 5th.
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