Kevin Magnussen, Van der Zande in CGR Cadillac DPi

Photo: Haas F1/IMSA

Ex-Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen has signed with Chip Ganassi Racing for a full-season campaign in the team’s new Cadillac DPi-V.R alongside Renger van der Zande.

The duo were confirmed by CGR on Thursday, in what will mark the 28-year-old Dane’s sports car racing debut.

The second-generation driver spent the last seven years in F1, most recently with Haas F1 Team, although was not retained by the American outfit for 2021.

It opened the door for Magnussen, the son of four-time IMSA champion Jan, to explore new opportunities.

“If you are in professional racing anywhere in the world, you know the name Chip Ganassi and what it represents in motorsports,” he said.

“Chip has built one of the best racing organization’s on and off the track, and you can look back in history and see the tremendous record of success, especially as it relates to sports car racing.

“It’s a great opportunity for myself to team up with CGR, Renger and Cadillac. I can’t wait to get started, meet the team and begin preparations for the 2021 season.”

Van der Zande, meanwhile, will remain behind the wheel of a Cadillac DPi following his tenure with Wayne Taylor Racing.

The Dutchman along with Ryan Briscoe finished second in the DPi championship this year and brings considerable experience of the Dallara-built prototype to the first-year DPi program.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have raced and won with Scott [Dixon] in sports cars and I think he really embodies what the whole Chip Ganassi Racing organization is all about,” said van der Zande.

“It’s a first-class operation and the team knows how to win the big races.

“One of the things that stood out to me was hearing that as a former driver, Chip always wanted to create and build a team that he would want to drive for.

“He has certainly done that, and those results speak for themselves across many series around the world.

“I think Kevin and I are both excited to say the least, and ready to get the 2021 season started at Daytona.”

Dixon, who was initially earmarked as the third driver in Meyer Shank Racing’s Acura ARX-05 effort, is expected to be confirmed as CGR’s pilot for the Michelin Endurance Cup races, although yet to be announced by the team.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John