Jouanny gets Pescarolo drive

The drive is the biggest sportscar opportunity yet for the 30-year-old Frenchman, who has raced for the Rollcentre, Saulnier and Creation teams at various events in recent years, but has not had a full-time front-running programme. He spent most of 2008 as the Superleague Formula's development driver.

"I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity and I want to thank Henri Pescarolo for his faith in me," said Jouanny.

"The LMS is a superb championship with a very competitive field but we have the firm belief that we can fight for wins.

"To be representing such a legendary name at Le Mans, for a French driver it doesn't get any better than that."

Pescarolo will run its own chassis in the LMS, but will also enter a single Peugeot 908 HDI FAP at Le Mans. The team has not yet announced which entry Jouanny will be in.

Team boss Henri Pescarolo added: "He possesses all the qualities I look for in my team: youth and experience, enthusiasm, technical skill and the ability to fit into a tight-knit team. I am relying on him to help us conquer further podiums."