Derani, 23, will link up with erstwhile Formula 3 rival Harry Tincknell and Andy Priaulx in the #67 Ford GT, joining the pair at Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

"I am delighted and proud to have been chosen to represent such a successful and respected manufacturer like Ford," said Derani.

"To race for an organisation like the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team has been one of my aims since starting in racing and to be recognised and selected by them is a big deal for me.

"I especially want to thank [Ford GT programme manager] George-Howard Chappell for his trust and belief in order to give me this opportunity."

A long-time F3 driver and Macau podium finisher, Derani debuted in prototype racing in 2014 in ELMS and raced in WEC's LMP2 class for the past two years.

In 2016, he won the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Sebring 12 Hours with Tequila Patron ESM, the team he will continue to represent in IMSA's four-race North American Endurance Cup.

Derani continued: "The way that the Ford GT has performed in endurance racing over the last 12 months has been exceptional and I am very much looking forward to working with the team to try and bring more success in the FIA World Endurance Championship and to defend the Le Mans LMGTE Pro title."

Rest of Ford line-up unchanged

The #66 crew will remain unchanged for the season, with Olivier Pla and Stefan Mucke entered on a full-time basis and Billy Johnson joining them for Silverstone, Spa and Le Mans.

For Le Mans, Ford will again mount a four-car assault, and the team has kept on the same drivers for its two additional entries.

The Le Mans-winning #68 car will again be driven by Sebastien Bourdais, Joey Hand and Dirk Muller, the trio having combined last weekend for a class win in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Scott Dixon, Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook will return in the #69 car.