Thiriet by TDS Racing has just revealed its line-up for the full European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three experienced drivers will be competing in the Oreca 05-Nissan and its brand new livery as the team chases glory.

Ryo Hirakawa – who turns 22 on Monday – has just been announced as the third driver with Thiriet by TDS Racing. He already has the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan and All-Japan F3 titles under his belt, and has been competing in both the Super Formula Japan and Super GT for Team Tom’s. His arrival in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans is part of the Toyota Young Drivers Programme. Toyota also had him try out the 2015 version of the TS 040 Hybrid earlier this year, suggesting that this could be the first step to a more prominent role for Hirakawa in the official Toyota Gazoo Racing programme.

26-year-old Pierre Thiriet has driven prototypes for TDS Racing at Le Mans since 2012. The crew's lead driver was European Le Mans Series (ELMS) champion in 2012, after finishing first at the 6 Hours of Le Castellet and at the final round at Road Atlanta (Petit Le Mans). Mathias Beche has more recently been seen in the LM P1 class racing for Rebellion Racing, but he will be returning to support Pierre Thiriet - with whom he took the ELMS title four years ago - in the ELMS campaign thanks to a sporting and marketing partnership. The deal means Rebellion Racing and Rebellion Timepieces will support Thiriet by TDS Racing in their bid for the European Le Mans Series title through the loan of Breche, while THIRIET Frozen Food will become one of REBELLION Racing’s marketing partners.
 

Geoffroy Barre | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth

Photo: Ryo Hirakawa will make his ELMS and Le Mans 24 Hours debut with Thiriet by TDS Racing.