Panoz squad signs Beretta and Jeannette

The two-time ALMS GTS champion will be joined in the front-engined Panoz-equipped team by American driver Gunnar Jeannette, who was the Panoz test driver in 2002. Beretta recently tested the Panoz at Road Atlanta, quickly adapting to the front-engined LMP-900 prototype.

"I was very impressed with the Panoz when I drove it at Road Atlanta and I am really looking forward to getting back into the American Le Mans Series on a full-time basis," said Beretta. "The car is certainly very different to drive from the Dallara [which he drove at Le Mans and in FIA sportscars], but it didn't take me long to get used to it."

Jeannette said: "I am really looking forward to doing a full year in the Panoz. I learned a great deal last year being part of the Panoz Motor Sports team, but it was frustrating at times to be sitting on the sidelines."

The complete driver line-up and driver pairings for JML Team Panoz is expected to be announced in the near future.