Cadillac enters Adelaide race

Run by the French team, DAMS, the American manufacturer has announced a three-year programme which will include races in the American Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Spearheaded by ex-Formula 1 driver Eric Bernard, the Cadillac/DAMS squad will run a pair of the new prototype Cadillac Northstar LMP machines in the event, to be held on December 31.

Team principal Jean-Paul Driot is eagerly awaiting the chance to return to South Australia after previously visiting Adelaide for the Australian Grand Prix with former team-partner and ex-Grand Prix driver Rene Arnoux.

"We are only doing selected races in the Le Mans series this year but the choice to come to Adelaide was an easy one to make," Driot said.

"The Race of a Thousand Years is the last race of the 'real' millennium and it is an important milestone for our team to finish the year with.

"Adelaide had a fantastic history in Formula One and we are looking forward to creating a new chapter with sportscar racing down there.

"Australia is a lovely country filled with friendly people and it is a pleasure to compete there."

Driot believes Adelaide will make a valuable addition to the Le Mans Series calendar.

"The atmosphere in Adelaide is very unique and it is great that the track is so close to the city," he said.

"It is great to be involved in a series that will bring the action right onto the doorstep of the people of Adelaide. The crews will love the fact that everything is a short walking distance from the track."

Eric Bernard will be joined by ex-Formula 3000 drivers Emmanuel Collard, Marc Goossens and Christophe Tinseau.