Derani Confirmed at Risi for Le Mans

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Pipo Derani will drive for Risi Competizione in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, having been confirmed with the Houston-based squad for its GTE-Pro attack.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, the Brazilian star had been in contention for a seat since the confirmation of the the team’s entry in February. 

Derani is set to join Oliver Jarvis and Jules Gounon in the No. 89 Ferrari 488 GTE, who are expected to replace the originally nominated Pierre Kaffer and Stephane Ortelli in the lineup, although not yet formally communicated by Risi.

It will mark 25-year-old Derani’s fifth start at Le Mans and second consecutive in a Prancing Horse, after finishing fifth in class at the wheel of an AF Corse-run Ferrari last year.

“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,” Derani said.

“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.”

Team principal Giuseppe Risi added: “[Pipo] is a well-versed racing driver, including in the Ferrari 488, and is mature beyond his young age.

“His enthusiasm is infectious and we’re looking forward to having him as part of the Risi Competizione family.

“Le Mans is a classic race and this team is always prepared for it, or any race, and after having finished second and third in recent years, we are more than ready to be back on the top step.”

Official confirmation of Jarvis and Gounon is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

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