De Vries Replaces Cimadomo at TDS Racing

TDS Racing has brought in Nyck de Vries to replace Philippe Cimadomo aboard its LMP2 lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Cimadomo was ruled out of the event after he was prohibited from competing by race stewards.

Stewards deemed Cimadomo not eligible to race “for the safety of himself and other competitors” after causing multiple incidents in free practice, including a heavy crash during free practice 3 on Thursday.

The decision had initially thrown the fate of the TDS entry into doubt as the team was left scrambling for a replacement for the 62-year-old Frenchman.

“After the strong accident yesterday, Philippe Cimadomo will not take part of the coming race, nevetheless all the parties agreed to maintain their participation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” TDS Racing wrote in a statement on social media.

“For that purpose Nyck de Vries will complete the driver lineup alongside to Tijmen Van der Helm and Mathias Beche.’

De Vries, who was already on site at Le Mans as part of his reserve duties with Toyota Gazoo Racing, is well acquainted with the French squad from his time with Racing Team Nederland’s LMP2 effort, which was operated by TDS.

The reigning ABB FIA Formula E world champion contested last year’s edition of the French endurance classic with G-Drive Racing.

The resulting lineup change will mean that the car will not be a part of the LMP2 Pro-Am class anymore, as De Vries holds a Platinum driver ranking and a Pro-Am team is mandated to run a Bronze driver as part of its lineup.