Risi Competizione has confirmed the signing of Pipo Derani as part of its lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Derani, who previously competed in GTE Pro with both Ford and Ferrari, will be making his fifth start in the French endurance classic and his first appearance with the Houston-based outfit. The 25-year-old had his best finish at Le Mans in 2017 competing with Ford.
“I’m extremely excited to return to Le Mans in GTE Pro, which is the most exciting and difficult category at Le Mans and WEC," said Derani. "It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to be back, driving a Ferrari, since I was racing for Ferrari last year.
“I’m really happy to be leading the way and driving for Risi, a great team that has been showing the potential for Ferrari in America, but also at Le Mans.
“Hopefully we can do one place better than they did back in 2016 with their second-place finish, and hopefully with my experience at Le Mans I can help lead the way for a great result. I’m really happy to be joining the Risi team and to be back at Le Mans in a Ferrari.”
Team principal Giuseppe Risi added: “We are very pleased to have Pipo join the team for Le Mans this year.”
“He’s a well-versed racing driver, including in the Ferrari 488, and is mature beyond his young age. His enthusiasm is infectious and we’re looking forward to having him as part of the Risi Competizione family.
"Le Mans is a classic race and this team is always prepared for it, or any race, and after having finished second and third in recent years, we are more than ready to be back on the top step.”
Risi Competizione returns to the GTE Pro category for the first time since 2017. Last year, the team ran Keating Motorsport's GTE Am effort. The 2019 edition of the race is set to take place on the 15th and 16th of June.
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