Bell joins Drayson Aston for Sebring

Bell will share driving duties in the Vantage GT2 with team regulars Jonny Cocker and Paul Drayson.

"It's great to be a part of a new team and for such an amazing event as Sebring," said Bell, who has won the last two LMS GT2 titles in a Virgo Ferrari.

"My first-ever GT race was in a DBRS9 in 2005. I won on that occasion with Darren Turner, so I have fond memories of driving an Aston. I know AMR has been busy over the last year developing the Vantage GT2 and I'm looking forward to seeing how far it has come.

"I'm also looking forward to driving alongside Paul and Jonny, who I have seen develop as a stronger pairing since their British GT days."

The Drayson team are hoping to become GT2 front-runners in the LMS and American Le Mans Series this season, having switched to Michelin tyres and recruited respected ex-Petersen /White Lightning man Dale White as team manager.

"I know some of the guys in the team and Dale bring a huge amount of know how, so I hope I can also bring something extra to the table," Bell said.

"If we keep out of trouble and have a bit of luck it would be great to be on the podium with three British drivers in an Aston."