Mike Rockenfeller joins Spirit of Daytona for USC enduros

The Audi driver has switched from the Action Express squad, with which he won the event in 2010 and contested last year's race, to drive the Spirit of Daytona squad's solo Corvette-bodied Coyote-Chevrolet Daytona Prototype in the inaugural United SportsCar Championship round on January 25/26.

The 30-year-old will share the car with team regular Richard Westbrook and Spirit of Daytona returnee Michael Valiante in a deal that is set to encompass the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans USC enduros in March and October respectively.

Rockenfeller, who won the Le Mans 24 Hours with Audi in 2010, said: "It's always good to go back to Daytona and it looks like I should be doing three races with Spirit of Daytona in 2014, which is even better."

The German had been in talks to race for Action Express again this year before Sebastien Bourdais signed to join Christian Fittipaldi and Joao Barbosa in its lead Coyote.

Valiante is returning to Spirit of Daytona for the full USC season in 2014 after taking a victory in the four races he contested alongside Westbrook with the team in '12.

The Canadian takes the place of Ricky Taylor, who is going back to the family Wayne Taylor Racing squad to partner brother Jordan for the full season.

Team owner Troy Flis said: "Michael did a great job for us in 2012 and we are really excited for him to be back with us full time this year. He and Westy work really well together."

Rockenfeller will not be returning to Le Mans in 2014 with Audi in order for him to concentrate on the defence of his DTM crown.