Former DTM champion and Formula 1 driver Paul Di Resta will take part in his first Rolex 24 at Daytona as part of United Autosports’ two-car IMSA Prototype effort fielded by team owner Zak Brown.

The Scot will pilot a Ligier JS P217-Gibson, and is among a driver roster that includes new European Formula 3 champion Lando Norris, America’s Will Owen, who competes for UA in the ELMS sports car series, and English teenager Phil Hanson.

“I’m really looking forward to racing at Daytona and with United Autosports,” said Di Resta, whose cousin Dario Franchitti is a former winner of the Rolex 24. “I’ve never done a 24-hour race and never raced a prototype so it’s all new to me, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. Entering a 24-hour race is something I’ve looked at doing before and when Zak asked, I jumped at the opportunity. The Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is getting bigger every year, so it’s great to be part of it. I plan to do some testing ahead of the race to get integrated into the team and to get a shot at driving the car prior to heading to Daytona in January.”

For Brown, who has taken part in the Rolex 24 as a driver in a combined effort between UA and Michael Shank Racing, returning as an entrant with two WEC-spec P2s with a driver of Di Resta’s caliber is another important milestone.

“I’m pleased we have managed to pull together a deal for Paul to join the team at Daytona,” he said. “Although he’s not driven our car before, he’s had plenty of racing experience in different categories so I’m confident he will have a good race and enjoy being with the team.”