Frenchman Pagenaud joins de Ferran Motorsports after competing for Walker Racing/Team Australia in the 2007 Champ Car World Series. Despite finishing eighth overall in his rookie season, however, Pagenaud was unable to find a berth in the unified IndyCar Series this season, and has been linked to several sportscar rides on either side of the Atlantic.
"Simon has a very good reputation in the industry, and this was the first thing that attracted me to him," de Ferran said, "This goes beyond just his on-track results, which, of course, have been very impressive. It is about the overall package - how he works with the team, his work ethic, fitness, how he works with sponsors, etc."
Pagenaud, who will become the youngest driver in the Acura American Le Mans Series line-up, is delighted with his employment.
"I am really thrilled to be given this opportunity," he enthused, "It is not every day that a two-time CART champion and Indy 500 winner calls and says he wants you to be his co-driver. At this stage of my career, it is an outstanding opportunity and I can't wait for the first race.
"I am so proud to be part of the Acura family. I have been looking for a chance like this for a long time, and being part of a manufacturer programme is just outstanding. Going ahead, the future looks very bright, but it will be up to me to do a good job and repay the faith that Gil and Acura have bestowed on me."
Acura debuted in the American Le Mans Series last year, taking a class victory first time out at the Sebring 12 Hours, and expands to a four-car entry with the arrival of de Ferran Motorsports. de Ferran, however, is no stranger to the Honda/Acura family, having won both of his CART championships with Honda power and, more recently, having been based in the UK as the sporting director for the Honda
F1 Racing team.
