Porsche has completed the signing of three-time Le Mans class winner Gianmaria Bruni from rivals Ferrari.
The 35-year-old Italian will join the team's factory driver lineup in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship from July onwards.
Bruni, a two-time World Endurance GTE-Pro champion, is contractually bound to Ferrari until late June, meaning he is to miss the first half of the 2017 sportscar season.
Porsche confirmed its two-car, six-driver IMSA roster last December, although the addition of Bruni means that this will have to be altered once the contract expires.
“We’re delighted to welcome Gianmaria Bruni, one of the world’s top GT pilots, into our squad,” said Head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser.
“He fits perfectly into our strong circle of works drivers and will join us for the second half of the season.”
Bruni started his career in single seaters, reaching Formula One in 2004 with Minardi.
After that he became an accomplished GT racer, winning the Sebring, Spa and Le Mans endurance classics for Ferrari.
He has also clinched series titles in the WEC, Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Le Mans Series, GT Open and FIA GT2.
The announcement of Bruni's transfer to rival manufacturer Porsche comes after Ferrari confirmed his exit from the team by "mutual consent" on Sunday.
Former Roelx 24 at Daytona class winner Alessandro Pier Guidi will take up Bruni's place in the AF Corse WEC driver lineup.
