Derani confirmed for Le Mans return with Risi Competizione

Pipo Derani will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari customer team Risi Competizione in 2019, racing in the GTE-Pro class.

Derani has raced at Le Mans each year since 2015, finishing second in GTE-Pro with Ford two years ago, and raced with AF Corse last year in a Ferrari 488 GTE.

The Brazilian will get behind the wheel of a Ferrari 488 once again this year when he links up with Risi Competizione, becoming the first driver confirmed in its line-up.

“I’m extremely excited to return to Le Mans in GTE Pro, which is the most exciting and difficult category at Le Mans and WEC,” said Derani.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to be back driving a Ferrari, since I was racing for Ferrari last year. I’m really happy to be leading the way and driving for Risi, a great team whose been showing the potential for Ferrari in America, but also at Le Mans.

“Hopefully we can do one place better than they did back in 2016 with their second-place finish, and hopefully with my experience at Le Mans I can help lead the way for a great result.

“I’m really happy to be joining the Risi team and to be back at Le Mans in a Ferrari.”

Derani will be looking to add a Le Mans victory to his three wins at Sebring - the latest coming last month with Action Express Racing - and Daytona victory from 2016.