De Ferran to race again with own team

The former Indy 500 winner and two-time Champ Car champion has formed De Ferran Motorsports to field an Acura ARX-01b in the LMP2 class.

"I'm so eager to get back in the driver's seat and the ALMS is spectacular," he said. "This will be a challenge for me both on and off the track, and we're working hard to put the remaining pieces in place now."

After his retirement, De Ferran served as Honda F1's sporting director from 2005-07.

As well as his landing back-to-back Champ Car titles in 2000 and '01, he also holds the record for the fastest ever qualifying lap on a closed circuit, setting an average speed of 241.43mph at the California Speedway in 2001.

His new team will be based near Indianapolis, with veteran crew chief John Anderson appointed as general manager. A co-driver for De Ferran is still to be confirmed.

ALMS president Scott Atherton added: "Gil is another A list name for the series. His stellar career exemplifies excellence in our industry and there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be successful both as a driver and a team boss."

De Ferran's car will be the fourth Acura in the ALMS with factory backing, with the marque having supported Andretti Green Racing, Highcroft Racing and Lowe's Fernandez Racing last season.

Although, he is not expected to contest his first race until the Long Beach round on April 17-19.