Tequila Patron ESM have secured the services of Brazil’s Pipo Derani after announcing a new one-year contract extension on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old has become a featured player within the Florida-based sports car team since his arrival in 2016. Derani was an important part of ESM’s overall win at IMSA’s Rolex 24 at Daytona and again with its win at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, both while driving a Honda-powered Ligier JS P2 prototype. The Sau Paulo native closed his part-time season debut with a second at Petit Le Mans.

Transitioned to a full-time role this year in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Derani delivered ESM’s breakthrough win for its Nissan Onroak DPi program at the most recent round in Road America, and has been on the short list for every DPi manufacturer.

“We are super excited to announce that Pipo will be back for a third year with Tequila Patrón ESM next season,” said ESM co-owner/driver Scott Sharp. “On and off the track, Pipo has been exemplary and become part of the ESM family as he shows his talent again and again! We are working hard on all fronts for our 2018 program and Pipo will spearhead that attack!”

Prior to his new ESM contract, it’s believed Derani was of particular interest to Honda Performance Development’s new Acura ARX-05 DPi program led by Team Penske.

“I am really happy to confirm I will continue to race for Tequila Patrón ESM next season in what I am sure it will be a super competitive IMSA WeatherTech championship,” Derani said. “All of us at Tequila Patron ESM share a big desire to win and this team spirit is the fuel we need to continue to perform at the highest level possible at every track we go.”

Derani will return to action with ESM next month at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Sept. 22.