McLaren's Fernando Alonso will make his endurance racing debut at the Daytona 24 Hours in January.
The two-time Formula One world champion will co-drive a United Autosports Ligier JSP217 with Phil Hanson and McLaren junior Lando Norris.
Alonso recently expressed interest in joining the United team, which is owned by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, in preparation for an anticipated drive at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Spaniard is aiming to become the second driver after Graham Hill to complete the motorsport 'Triple Crown' of winning the Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and Le Mans.
“The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic US endurance race and one of the world’s great races," said Alonso.
"Everyone knows it. It’s not part of the Triple Crown but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me in the preparation for any other endurance race I might take part in."
"Before I went to Indy, I had never driven on an oval, now I know what an oval is and how to deal with it."
"After the great time I had during the month of May for the Indy 500, I am looking forward to taking part in another legendary race that will bring back all those amazing sensations that US fans gave me."
Alonso will line up against factory-supported teams from Nissan (ESM), Mazda (Joest), Acura (Penske) and Cadillac (Wayne Taylor Racing, Action Express) at the 56th edition of the Floridian endurance classic.
The race doubles up as the opening round of the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
“I’m thrilled we have managed to put a deal together to get Fernando in the car at Daytona," said Brown.
"Although he hasn’t driven an LMP2 car before I’m confident he will pick it up quickly."
"He’s one of the best drivers around so it will be great to have him as part of the team, not only for his speed, but for his experience and the invaluable knowledge he will pass onto Phil and Lando.”
Hanson and Norris, at 17 and 18 years respectively, will also be making their Daytona debuts, although Hanson did race in the LMP2 category at this year's Le Mans.
United Autosports' second Ligier will be shared by ex-Formula 1 driver Paul di Resta and European Le Mans Series runner-up Will Owen.
The team's third and final driver is yet to be announced.
