Perera joins VDS Panis LMP2 team for Le Mans

VDS Panis Racing has confirmed that Franck Perera will complete its driver line-up for the No. 48 LMP2 ORECA 07 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside full-season ELMS drivers Oliver Gray and Esteban Masson.

The team finished in second place in LMP2, (third overall) at the ELMS season-opening 4 Hours of Barcelona earlier this month, with Alpine factory driver Charles Milesi completing the crew.

With Milesi on Hypercar duty at La Sarthe, the team needed a third driver and single-seater, endurance racing, and GT star Franck Perera will complete the squad. He raced to the ELMS GTC (GT3) title in 2015 for TDS Racing, now the service provider for VDS Panis in the ELMS.

A Lamborghini factory driver since 2018, Perera made his debut Le Mans last year in the LMGT3 category with Iron Lynx.

“The words that come to mind are joy, pride, gratitude and determination in the face of this unique opportunity to join the No. 48 car of VDS Panis Racing for the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Perera.

“After having the chance to experience this legendary race in GT with Lamborghini last year, I am ready to take on the challenge in LMP2, where the level is extremely high. I can’t wait to begin this Le Mans adventure alongside my talented young teammates Esteban and Oliver. A huge thank you to the entire VDS Panis Racing team and TDS Racing for their trust.”

Xavier Combet, team principal for TDS Racing, added: “We are delighted to announce Franck’s return to our ranks for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Our collaboration in 2015, crowned by a title in ELMS GTC, remains one of the most memorable moments in our team’s history.

“We have full confidence in his professionalism, experience, and level of performance. His consistency at the highest level and his results across various championships speak volumes about his immense value as a driver.”