Pierson and van der Garde with Heriau at TDS Racing

After a season in the WEC this year, François Heriau is moving to IMSA full time next year with TDS Racing. The French team, which already has considerable experience of the American series, has set up a programme of two Oreca 07s in 2023. 

  The French driver, rated Bronze by the FIA, will be able to rely on the experience of Giedo van der Garde and the youth of Josh Pierson. 

  Giedo van der Garde, 37, knows the French team of Xavier Combet and Jacques Morello very well, as he has provided technical support to Racing Team Nederland in recent years. The Dutchman has competed in three of the four IMSA long races in 2022. 

 "We would love to win at Daytona especially after finishing second in last year's race, where we were only seven seconds behind," said Giedo Van der Garde. "I am extremely excited about the upcoming season. I have been working with TDS for a few years now and have known the team for some time. I am also looking forward to working with my two new and young teammates. Josh has a lot of potential and, although François is still young for a Bronze driver, he already has some experience of endurance racing. With the right coaching and guidance I think he can become a very fast rider. We are ready to fight!"

  At just 16 years old, Josh Pierson has one season of LMP2 experience in the WEC with United Autosports and IMSA with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. His LMP2 debut last February resulted in victory in the Asian Le Mans Series. 

  The fourth driver for the 24 Hours of Daytona will be announced at a later date.