Le Mans Series outfit Strakka Racing has confirmed that it has agreed a new 'long-term' contract with lead driver Danny Watts.

Watts joined the team at the start of the 2009 season as it made the move into LMP1 competition for the first time, running in the Le Mans Series and at the Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of the team's Ginetta-Zytek.

Watts will now continue to run with the team again in 2010 alongside Nick Leventis and he said he was thrilled with the new deal.

“I'm absolutely delighted to be continuing with Strakka after what has been a great first year with the team,” he said. “It has been a very easy decision to make. Strakka is an ambitious team with firm plans for the future, and I want to be part of an organisation that knows where it's going and how to get there.

“It's an excellent opportunity for me, and the ideal career move. I enjoy working with the team, and especially with Nick. It's good to have this degree of continuity as we move forwards into what I'm sure will be a very successful period for Strakka in sportscar racing.”

Team manager Piers Philips was also delighted with the new deal now confirmed.

“Knowing that we have Danny's services for the foreseeable future is fantastic news,” he said. “Being able to draw upon the experience of someone of Danny's undoubted talent and pace as part of Strakka's long-term programme strengthens our prospects enormously, and I really couldn't want for a better driver.

“Danny is quick, his ability through traffic is excellent, and he provides us with the kind of invaluable feedback that means we can get the best out of the car. Securing a new contract with Danny at this stage of the season, just as we're embarking on what promises to be such a very exciting period for the team, gives us considerable stability for the future. We couldn't be happier.”