Mercedes F1 reserve and works Formula E charger Stoffel Vandoorne will head west next month to make his debut in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship with Meyer Shank Racing.
The Belgian will sub for 2022 Daytona 24 Hour winner Helio Castroneves who is unable to contest the endurance classic as it clashes with the second round of the NTT IndyCar Series at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Vandoorne will share MSR's Acura ARX-05 at Sebring with his former JOTA WEC LMP2 teammate Tom Blomqvist and Oliver Jarvis.
"I’m really excited to be joining Meyer Shank for the Sebring 12 Hour," said the Mercedes FE works driver
"For me it will be the first time racing in Sebring, and the first time racing in IMSA competition which I am excited for because the racing in America is very close.
"I feel lucky to also be joining the team that just won the Daytona 24 Hours, so it’s going to be a really great experience.
"I know my teammate Tom (Blomqvist) already from last year racing in WEC and Olly I know him as well from endurance racing, but it will be the first time teaming up with them together.
"I’m really looking forward to the weekend and hopefully we can bring home a good result for the team."
MSR team co-owner Mike Shank says Vandoorne is a worthy replacement for Castroneves based on his track record and his recent test with the American team.
"Stoffel impressed us at a test last week and will be a great addition to the team for Sebring," said Shank.
"It was our initial intention to have Helio race in both the IMSA and IndyCar events that weekend, but logistically it became a bit difficult.
"Tom has said great things about Stoffel from their time racing in WEC together last year, so I think we have another strong lineup heading into the race weekend."
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…
Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…
Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…
Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…
Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…
Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…