Derani, Cumming added to ESM WEC line-up
The Tequila Patron ESM team has added Pipo Derani and Chris Cumming to its 2016 FIA WEC driver line-up.
#31 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ligier JS P2: Ed Brown, Jon Fogarty, Johannes van Overbeek
Robert Lyon
The duo will join Scott Sharp, Ed Brown, Johannes van Overbeek and Ryan Dalziel as season entrants with a brace of Ligier JS P2 prototypes.
ESM announced last month the formalisation of a partnership with Ligier designers and manufacturers Onroak Automotive/OAK Racing.
Derani, who raced for the G-Drive Racing concern this season, enjoyed a competitive first full season in endurance racing, scoring six podium positions and finishing a close third in the LMP2 standings.
“First and foremost I am very happy and proud to be racing for Tequila Patron ESM, which is definitely one of the top endurance racing teams,” the 22 year-old Brazilian told Motorsport.com.
“I think we both share a big passion for motorsport and also a good professional work ethic.
“The partnership between Onroak and Tequila Patron ESM is a very good match-up of two highly motivated teams with lots of talented people within them.
“I have seen closely how both companies operate and this gives me great confidence that we can become the benchmark in LMP2 for 2016.”
For Cumming, the 2016 season will be first full campaign at FIA WEC level. The Canadian made his Le Mans 24 Hours debut last June driving an OAK-entered Ligier.
He then contested the final three WEC races at Fuji, Shanghai and Bahrain with the SARD Morand team.
“I’m very excited to be joining Tequila Patron ESM for their 2016 WEC campaign,” said Cumming. “For 2016, I think the package of team, car, engine and drivers will be very strong.
"Ever since I competed in my first 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, my main goal has been to return to WEC for a full season, so this is like a dream come true.
"Thank you to Scott [Sharp] and Ed [Brown] for giving me this opportunity and welcoming me to the team.
"I’m looking forward to working with my new teammates Scott, Ed, Johannes [van Overbeek], Ryan [Dalziel] and Pipo. I’m already counting the days to our first test!"
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments