French outfit Thiriet by TDS Racing has announced the three-man lineup for its 2016 European Le Mans Series campaign.
Pierre Thiriet, Mathias Beche and Ryo Hirakawa will share the new-look #46 Oreca 05-Nissan in both the ELMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Thiriet drove for the team last year, while Beche returns as part of a new association with LMP1 squad Rebellion Racing. The pair raced together in the 2012 European Le Mans Series, winning the LMP2 drivers’ championship.
Meanwhile Japanese protege Hirakawa will make his ELMS debut with Thiriet by TDS. The 21 year old Toyota junior won two races in Super GT last season, and has also driven in the Japanese Super Formula championship.
Thiriet by TDS Racing finished second in the ELMS standings last year, missing out on the title by two points. This season the team will once again field two cars, with the LMP2 entry complemented by a GTE Aston Martin Vantage.
