Lagorce joins Panoz Le Mans line-up

Don Panoz's team already comprises the lead pairing of David Brabham and Jan Magnussen with Klaus Graf and Gualter Salles in the second LMP-1 Roadster S. The addition of Lagorce, who competed in two Grands Prix for Ligier in 1994, leaves just one seat to complete the team's line-up for the endurance classic in June.

It has not yet been decided which driver pairing Lagorce will team up with, as Panoz is believed to be in talks with former Grand Prix drivers and Le Mans winners Johnny Herbert and JJ Lehto with regard to filling the final seat.

This will not be the first time Lagorce has driven for Panoz as he also piloted a Panoz GTR in the FIA GT Championship in 1997. The 32-year-old drove a Cadillac Northstar at Le Mans last year and finished a lowly 22nd overall.

David Price, whose outfit prepares the Panoz cars, is confident the team's new signing can develop into a star of the future.

"I believe that Franck is another Magnussen in the waiting," said Price. "He has a lot of speed and untapped potential which, with the right management, is waiting to be brought out. Franck knows what is required to do well at Le Mans and I'm sure he'll be able to deliver for us."