De Ferran set for 'emotional' weekend

The Brazilian, who has seven career IndyCar stars to his name at the Californian circuit, admits the weekend will be emotional for his and his team.

The team are currently in sixth place in the LMP2 category.

"It's an emotional weekend coming up for us, for a variety of reasons," said de Ferran. "This will be the last race of our first season in racing as a new team and the closing of what has been an amazing year for everyone involved, including myself.

"We've had one of our most competitive showings to date at Mid-Ohio, the track that most resembles Laguna, which bodes well for the weekend.

"Every time I return to Laguna Seca, it is always a very emotional experience. It's the scene of my first victory in North America and arguably one of the events that helped establish me as a professional driver at the highest level back in 1995. Hopefully we will make this weekend just as memorable."

De Ferran's teammate Simon Pagenaud also believes the team will have a competitive car at Laguna Seca.

"I can't wait to get to Laguna, to get back in the car and also because it's such a magnificent region to be in with the vineyards and wine," said Pagenaud.

"It will be our last race of the season, a longer race than what we are use to, but after Petit Le Mans this will seem kind of short! I think we will have a good package for this type of track that necessitates a lot of downforce and as usual the team has done great preparation work heading into the weekend.

"Although my only experience at Laguna Seca was a test last year, I look forward to driving the Acura there, I think it will be really fun."