Monteiro to join ORECA for Le Mans

The former grand prix driver, who now races an ORECA-run SEAT in the World Touring Car Championship, tested the ORECA 01-AIM during the winter and has raced at Le Mans twice before in the GTS class.

"I'm happy to seize such a great opportunity," said Monteiro. "I'm going to make my first appearance in the top category with a superb car and a dream team.

"When I drove the ORECA 01, I re-experienced very strong sensations, very similar to those of an F1 car. There'll be a tremendous battle in 2009 as we'll be up against the major manufacturers, but we've got a lot of hopes pinned on the new car."

ORECA also confirmed that Soheil Ayari will join Olivier Panis and Nicolas Lapierre in its second car for Le Mans.

"I know the team, the car and the majority of the drivers, and that helps me tackle Le Mans in the best possible conditions," Ayari said. "Continuity is a crucial factor in motor racing and it's even truer in endurance.

"There has to be perfect, natural collaboration between the drivers, which will allow us to progress more quickly. We'll raise our sights higher this year thanks to the new car developed by the design office."