Johansson to use Audi in ELMS

The privateer Audi is to be run by UK-based Arena Motorsport, which ran a Renault Laguna in the BTCC in 1999, and the day-to-day running of the squad will be overseen by team boss Mike Earle.

"I have worked very hard to put this programme together since late last year," said Stefan Johansson, "and although it is quite late we have secured a fantastic package which will be very competitive. Mike and I have worked together in Formula 1 so I am sure we will have a very good year."

The team, set up by former Formula 1 driver Johansson, entered two Reynards in last year's ALMS with Jim Matthews and achieved little success. Matthews has transferred his finances to Trans-AM in the US leaving Johansson to focus on the ELMS.

The car will be driven by Johansson who has managed to entice oil company Gulf, a brand synonymous with sportscars, to provide backing for the team. Gulf last appeared on the GTC Competition-run McLaren F1/GTR in 1997. The Swede's driving partners are to be announced at a later date.

"We looked at several opportunities in both sports and touring car racing for the 2001 season," said Earle, "but when the chance came to work with Stefan, Audi and Gulf it soon became clear that this was the way forward."

The car will make its first appearance at official testing at Sebring in the week before the season opening 12-hour race at the Florida track on March 17.