Sebring, FL ? Gil de Ferran, 40, will return to the track as a driver and car owner in the American LeMans Series during the 2008 season. The Brazlian will field an Acura ARX-01b in the ALMS?s LMP2 division.
Acura Motorsports and de Ferran made the announcement Tuesday during a series of press conferences at the Sebring International Raceway. For Acura, it will add to the manufacturer?s line-up of Andretti Green Racing, Patron Highcroft Racing and Fernandez Racing.
Until recently, de Ferran had served as the sporting director for the Honda Racing F1 team. The accomplished driver won the Indianapolis 500 for Team Penske in 2003 and earned the CART Champ Car championship in 2000 and 2001.
?An opportunity has presented itself and have decided to move forward with this program? de Ferran said. ?I can?t tell you how excited I am and I can?t wait to get back into the cockpit — in a series I find to be very exciting. I think the ALMS cars are really cool.?
de Ferran said technology thrills him, even though some people may think it to be boring. ?I really enjoy technology, and I like working with the engineers and teams to create advances in technology.?
The champion driver said he has always had a strong interest in sports car racing. ?When I was young, I had posters of Derek Bell and his Rothmann?s Porsche 962 on my wall.?
Regarding his relationship with Roger Penske, de Ferran commented, ?When Roger got involved with the ALMS, I started following the series and my interest grew exponentially. Roger is a personal friend along with his team members, and these are people I care and it will be fun to go against them.?
Sponsors and co-driver announcements will come at a later date.
Joe JenningsUnited SportsCar Championship