Pipo Derani to remain with ESM squad for 2018 IMSA SportsCar season

The Brazilian joined the ESM line-up full-time earlier this year in the wake of Ed Brown's retirement from full-time competition, having already signed up for North American Endurance Cup that encompasses four IMSA rounds.

Alongside Johannes van Overbeek, Derani scored the Onroak-built Nissan DPi's first victory of the season at Road America this month, breaking Caillac's seven-race winning streak as a result.

Derani, who made three World Endurance Championship appearances this year for the Ford GTE squad plus a further outing at the Nurburgring for Rebellion in LMP2, has now agreed to extend his IMSA stay with ESM for a further year.

"We are super excited to announce that Pipo will be back for a third year with Tequila Patron ESM next season," said team owner Scott Sharp.

"On and off the track, Pipo has been exemplary and become part of the ESM family as he shows his talent again and again.

"We are working hard on all fronts for our 2018 programme and Pipo will spearhead that attack."

Derani added: "Having a good car next year will not be enough to win races and the championship but with a strong human relationship I am sure we can fly high.

"That's why I'm delighted to continue working with ESM.

"We will continue to push the boundaries in what's left of this year's championship in order to make sure we are the most prepared team once we hit the track at Daytona.

"I would like to thank Scott and Ed for their trust, and the entire team for their tireless job this year in order to bring our Nissan DPi to victory lane after a difficult start to our season."

Tequila Patron ESM will continue its partnership with Onroak and Nissan into next season, and will announce a further three full-time drivers "in the coming months."