Perera Replaces Milesi in VDS Panis Le Mans Lineup

VDS Panis Racing has announced that Franck Perera will join the team to complete its LMP2 lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the Frenchman stepping in to replace Charles Milesi.

Perera, a Lamborghini factory driver, will share the No. 48 Oreca 07 Gibson with the team’s European Le Mans Series regulars Ollie Gray and Esteban Masson.

Milesi, who will complete the rest of the ELMS campaign with the team, will contest the French endurance classic as part of Alpine’s FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar lineup instead.

It will mark Perera’s second Le Mans appearance, having debuted last year with Lamborghini in the LMGT3 class.

Notably, it will be the Frenchman’s first race in LMP2 machinery, although he comes from a background of high-downforce single seaters, including a spell as test driver for the Toyota Formula 1 team and a handful of race starts in IndyCar.

“After having the chance to experience this legendary race in GT with Lamborghini last year, I am ready to take on the challenge in LMP2, where the level is extremely high,” said Perera.

“I can’t wait to begin this Le Mans adventure alongside my talented young teammates Esteban and Oliver. A huge thank you to the entire VDS Panis Racing team and TDS Racing for their trust.”