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Former Formula 1 driver Paul di Resta has signed a deal with United Autosports to contest the 2018/19 Asian Le Mans Series.

Di Resta made his sportscar debut with United at the Daytona 24 Hours at the start of the year, where he finished fourth alongside Hugo de Sadeleer, Bruno Senna and Will Owen.

That led to further IMSA SportsCar Championship outings with United at Sebring and Watkins Glen, as well as a maiden appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The outgoing Mercedes DTM driver has now secured a full programme for the forthcoming Asia Le Mans season, which kicks off at Shanghai's Formula 1 circuit on November 25.

He will drive one of United's Ligier JSP2s alongside the outfit's regular European Le Mans series racer Phil Hanson.

"I'm really looking forward to tackling the Asian Le Mans Series and joining United Autosports again," said di Resta.

"It's obviously not something I'm used to racing over the winter but I think these far away races should be a nice winter programme, working alongside Phil and trying to help him again before we get into the big races next year.

"New experiences are always good and I'm looking forward to going out there and trying to win this championship."

United's team principal Richard Dean added: "Phil hasn't been with us that long and he's already settled into the team really well and has shown he is a great racing driver.

"Paul has also fitted into the team and the pair work great together.

"I'm pleased we have managed to pull a deal together for them to race alongside each other in Asia.

"I'm confident this is a strong line up and although the competition looks set to be fierce this year, we are ready for the challenge and aiming for the championship win."

Di Resta finished third in this season's DTM standings, but is looking for a drive for 2019 following Mercedes' departure from the series.

United says it is currently in discussions about fielding a second full-season entry in the winter series, which also visits Fuji, Buriram and Sepang after its Shanghai season-opener.