Brackley-based Team Veloqx will run two Audi R8 sportscars at Le Mans and Sebring this year.

The move will allow Yorkshireman Guy Smith, 28, the chance to become the first Briton in almost 20 years to win the Le Mans 24 Hour motor race in consecutive years.

Britain's five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell won the twice round-the-clock marathon in 1986 and 1987 while 2003 race winner Smith feels confident of a repeat victory in this year's gruelling event staged on June 12-13.

Smith will contest the Le Mans 24 Hours, inaugural Le Mans Endurance Series, and the Sebring 12 Hour race in an Audi R8 with previously announced driver Jamie Davies, from Yeovil.

Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx hopes to announce later this month, the final two drivers who will join Smith, Davies, triple Le Mans winner Frank Biela and fellow German Pierre Kaffer, at Le Mans.

Team principal Sam Li said: "Veloqx is honoured to have been chosen by Audi Sport and Audi UK to campaign two R8s in the LMES Championship and at Sebring and Le Mans this year.

"Veloqx has always run two cars and has been preparing itself for this decision -- we have the appropriate level of skill and commitment in place. We will be the only two-car Audi R8 team in 2004, which will present us with the best possible opportunity to achieve success for Audi UK."