British Superbike sars Glen Richards and James Ellison, who is currently testing in Portimao, will join the Phase One endurance team at Qatar next month for the eight-hour race.
Both Ellison and Richards have previously ridden successfully for the team, most notably when James Ellison won his WEC title in 2003. Neither Ellison nor Richards, who rode for the team in 2007, need introduction to the Doha circuit and they are both close to the top of their form.
The pairing will be supported by team regular Pedro Valcaneras, who finished in a marvellous second position at this desert race last season, for the Spanish Folch Yamaha Team.
“This year has been a difficult year, both on and off the track - fifth in Spain and 12th at Suzuka is creditable but we need to do better. The un-planned limitations to the budget meant that we could no longer offer Damian and Alex (Cudlin) the package we had agreed for Qatar and were forced drop them," said team boss Russell Benney.
"That was one of my most difficult times. I feared that it would be impossible to fulfil our ambitions for the race but I was relieved when I found just how many riders wanted to do it.
"The timing of the race is perfect to showcase their talents. It is lovely to know that riders such as Ellison and Richards haven’t forgotten their good times with the team and are out for more of that success.”
