NORTHWICH team Speedworks have announced a return to endurance racing during 2017, and showed off a new car on Thursday.

They have acquired a Ligier JS P3 machine, which is eligible to race in championships both at home and abroad.

“It’s an exciting new adventure for us,” said team principal Christian Dick.

“Ligier is an iconic brand with a famous heritage in the sport, and the JS P3 is already a proven and reliable car.”

He will share the cockpit with John Gilbert, a former FIA International 24H Series class champion who has helped buy the car, in a 12-hour race at Spa in October.

However Speedworks have started a search for drivers who could take to the track in other series.

That includes a relaunched LMP3 Cup Championship in the UK.

“We’re delighted to have a team of Speedworks’ quality join a growing LMP3 grid,” said Richard Dean, managing director of United Autosports – the UK agent for the Ligier JS P3.

“I’ve known Christian and Amy [Dick] for a long time, and they’ll bring professionalism and serious competition.

“They’re perhaps better known now for their successful British touring cars operation, but they are no strangers to long-distance sports-car racing.”

Speedworks officially took the wraps off their new car on Thursday at the Ligier UK stand during the pre-season Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC.