The Heart of Racing has confirmed that Alex Riberas and Roman de Angelis will be driving the team's Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for the 2020 IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship, with Aston Martin factory driver Nicki Thiim joining the team for the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Riberas returns to the team after also driving for the outfit between 2014 and 2016, while 18-year-old De Angelis looks set for his first full season in the championship after a dominant campaign in IMSA's Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series.
“Endurance racing has always been my dream,” De Angelis said. “To be making my second start in the 24 Hours of Daytona at the age of 18, as a full-season driver in the IMSA GTD class, is something that I would never have dreamt of.
“In addition, to be partnered with a brand so rich in racing history like Aston Martin, is an absolute dream come true.
“A few weeks ago, I was in a situation not knowing what I would be doing in the 2020 racing season which is a scary thought coming off a strong year last year.
“I cannot thank the Aston Martin Racing/The Heart of Racing team enough for putting faith in me, to not only be back in a race car, but to be put in such a high level of competition with a prestigious brand and well-prepared team is incredible.”
Team owner Ian James will also be behind the wheel of the Vantage GT3, joining Riberas and De Angelis for the endurance rounds of the season.
“I have been working with Alex for years and he has proven himself to be one of the top GT drivers in the world,” James said. “Roman has had an amazing season this year, and like in 2014 with Alex, this program tries to give young talent the opportunity to shine.
“I’m delighted that I still get to be behind the wheel and am grateful to Aston Martin for assigning Nicki Thiim to us, whose knowledge and experience of the car will be extremely helpful to get the team up to speed at the Roar.”
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