Porsche confirms Neel Jani for 2014 LMP1 programme

The Swiss driver, a former Toro Rosso Formula 1 test driver, has been racing with the Rebellion team in sportscars since the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours.

The 29-year-old will join Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas in testing the new LMP1 machine that will make its racing debut in 2014.

Porsche said Jani's contract will extend for "several years".

"To compete for Porsche in the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC and at the Le Mans 24 Hours is a dream come true," said Jani.

"I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel for the first time and contributing my test driving experience.

"Porsche is incomparable with any other marque in sportscar racing and I'm proud to now be a part of the Porsche works team.

"My goal is to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and secure the WEC World Championship title with Porsche. I don't just want to build on Porsche's successful history, I want to add a new chapter."

"Neel fits very well into our Porsche motorsport family," said Fritz Enzinger, head of Porsche's LMP1 project.

"He is incredibly fast, he has a wealth of experience in international long distance racing as well as at the Le Mans 24 Hours and he's a real team player."

Although he will be a Porsche driver from July 1, Jani will complete his planned schedule with the Rebellion team in the American Le Mans Series and the WEC.