The works Corvette Racing team has announced the addition of drivers Olivier Beretta, Max Papis and Jan Magnussen for the 2004 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Former ALMS GTS Champion Olivier Beretta, 34, will join Oliver Gavin in the #4 Corvette C5-R for the full season of the ALMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, bringing years of racing at the top levels of international competition, from Le Mans to Formula 1, to a driver roster already rich in talent.
Danish former F1-driver and sportscar veteran, Jan Magnussen, 30, and Italian Max Papis, 34, a veteran open-wheel and sports car racer, will join the team for the three long-distance events at Sebring, Le Mans and Petit Le Mans. The 2004 driver line-up will be as follows:
#3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows (CDN) Johnny O'Connell (USA) Max Papis (I)#4 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin (GB) Olivier Beretta (MC) Jan Magnussen (DK)
Fast on the heels of capturing a record-setting third manufacturers' championship in the American Le Mans Series, the Corvette Racing team is hard at work in developing an even stronger package for the upcoming season.
"Corvette proved once again why it is worthy of the title 'America's sports car icon'," said Harry Turner, Group Manager for road racing. "Racing is the crucible where Corvette's reputation was forged. The accomplishments of this team mean so much to Chevrolet and the millions of owners and enthusiasts worldwide. We plan on continuing that tradition in 2004."
The Corvette Racing programme also announced a new partnership with the Michelin Group. The manufacturer will provide technical assistance and full tyre support for the Corvette C5-R in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. The team is currently undergoing another winter of rigorous development in preparation for the upcoming season.
"This championship season was another incredible chapter written in the rich history of the Corvette," said Doug Fehan, GM's Programme Manager for Corvette Racing. "The competition challenged our position, but when the dust settled we were able to claim the title once again. This team has an amazing ability to overcome obstacles and that's how champions are made."
The team will begin the upcoming season with a new six-speed gearbox from supplier Xtrac, engine performance enhancements and further aerodynamic modifications. Corvette Racing's sixth full year of racing will commence at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 20.
