Hughes secures Le Mans deal

Warren Hughes has agreed a deal to race for Portuguese sportscar team ASM in the opening round of the Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard and the Le Mans 24 Hours in the summer.

Hughes will partner Olivier Pla and Miguel Amaral at the wheel of the team's LMP2 Ginetta-Zytek as he rejoins the outfit he raced with at Le Mans in both 2006 and 2007.

Hughes will also be on stand-by for the team at the remaining Le Mans Series races should they decide to run any of the events with three drivers.

"I've wanted to return to ASM for quite a while and now the opportunity has arisen," he said. "This is one of the most sought after drives, certainly in LMP2. I'm joining them on the back of a very successful season, in a car they understand very well.

"I know the team well and I'll also be working again with Alan Mugglestone, one of the very best engineers and strategists I've worked with. Olivier, I know a little bit, but he is a big talent. Miguel, I know from '06 and '07. He just keeps getting better. I can't wait."

Team owner Antonio Simoes said he was delighted to get the Briton onboard.

"Warren is a driver who the whole team rate very highly and his experience, ability and personality fit perfectly with us," he said. "I am delighted that circumstances have allowed us to get together again. He will strengthen our team considerably."