Nyck de Vries lands last-minute Le Mans 24 Hours drive, replacing Philippe Cimadomo

Just days before the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours, TDS Racing were forced into a late change when Philippe Cimadomo received a ban.

The ameteur 62-year-old was barred from taking part in the event after being involved in three separate incidents during Thursday's practice.

Cimadomo argued that he has had a crash-free run in European Le Mans Series this year and described his incidents in FP1 and FP3 as "momentary lapses", but the stewards weren't willing to let the bronze-rated driver continue, and TDS Racing have drafted in Nyck de Vries in his place.

De Vries has enjoyed a stellar racing career already, having won the 2019 Formula 2 Championship as well as last year's Formula E Championship with Mercedes.

The 27-year-old also has some experience in endurance racing, winning in his class at the Fuji FIA World Endurance Championship race in 2019 with TDS-run Racing Team Nederland.

Despite his attempts to reach the Formula 1 grid, De Vries has been limited to a reserve driver role at Mercedes, but he'll look forward to experiencing another of motorsport's triple crown events this weekend at Le Mans.

"After the strong accident yesterday, Philippe Cimadomo will not take part of the coming race, nevertheless all the parties agreed to maintain their participation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans," read a statement from TDS Racing.

The Dutch driver will now partner Tijmen Van der Helm and Mathias Beche for the team, but as a platinum-rated driver it leaves the side short of their mandatory bronze member.

With Cimadomo banned, TDS will have to find a new bronze runner - it's mandatory for all teams to have at least one in their line-up.