Ferrari works outfit AF Corse has confirmed that Alessandro Pier Guidi will replace Gianmaria Bruni in its World Endurance Championship GTE-Pro driver lineup.
35-year-old Bruni, a three-time class winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a two-time WEC champion, is expected to join rivals Porsche for the 2017 season.
Pier Guidi, who is two years Bruni's junior, was affirmed for the coveted full-season drive at Ferrari's annual GT awards night at Fiorano on Saturday.
The Italian will join James Calado in the #51 Ferrari 488 GTE, whilst Davide Rigon and Sam Bird will renew their partnership in the #71 sister car.
”Racing with Ferrari is every driver’s dream, especially if you are Italian," said Pier Guidi.
"In my career I have already been lucky enough to win several races with the 360 Modena, the F430, and the 458 Italia and I feel very proud to try to win the next ones with the 488 GTE as an official standard-bearer. I am very happy.”
Pier Guidi is a former class winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Spa 24 Hours. He made his Le Mans debut in 2016 alongside Bruni and Calado, although the car retired with overheating issues.
Bruni, meanwhile, has opted to leave Ferrari "by mutual consent" following 11 years with the AF Corse GT programme.
It is not yet known exactly when the ex-Formula One driver will be contractually available to drive for Porsche, although a statement from Ferrari said that he would leave his post with the Italian team by the end of June.
Ferrari heads into the 2017 WEC season as the defending GT manufacturers' champion.
