Sydney FC superstar Alessandro Del Piero has announced a new venture – as boss of a motor racing team.
The Italian World Cup winner has teamed up with Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey to form Dempsey/Del Piero Racing.
The team has submitted an entry to compete in June’s Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race and will field two cars in America’s Le Mans Series (ALMS), which begins in March.
The US-based team will field three drivers in the 24-hour Le Mans race – Dempsey and veteran US racers Joe Foster and Michael Avenatti.
It remains unclear who will drive in the ALMS series.
Del Piero is not expected to drive in either.
No details of finances or what his role will be with the team were revealed but the Italian was excited to add his name to the existing Dempsey Racing.
Del Piero announced the news via Twitter this week.
“I have had a passion for motorsport since I was a young boy growing up in Italy,” Del Piero said in a statement.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to team with Patrick.
“We expect to compete at a very high level and our central focus will be on winning world championships.”
The motor racing team expects to announce further details, including its car livery, sponsorship and driver line-up for the US Le Mans series in coming weeks.
“We are excited to join forces with Alessandro and compete at the highest levels of racing,” Dempsey said.
“Alessandro’s passion for winning and leadership skills will be invaluable and he will play an important role in the development and direction of the team.”
Del Piero, who won numerous titles in his 19-year spell with Juventus in Italy and the World Cup in 2006, signed a two-year contract with Sydney FC in September.
While the team has struggled on the field, the Italian has produced a number of strong individual performances, including scoring four goals in a record 7-1 win over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
