The Houston-based Risi Competizione team is not the only familiar face returning to the American Le Mans Series in 2013.

Five-time ALMS GTS/GT1 champion Olivier Beretta returns to the ALMS in his new role as a factory driver for Ferrari Corse Clienti. Beretta took championships with original Dodge Viper program and more recently with Corvette Racing. The born-and-bred Monaco native also spent a year behind the wheel of the Panoz prototype.

Beretta will drive for Risi this season alongside former Italian GT Champion and 2008 FIA GT vice-champion, Matteo Malucelli. The 28-year-old Italian will be making his debut in the series but has considerable expertise behind the wheel of many different GT marques including Ferrari.

On top of his ALMS Drivers’ titles, Beretta has six class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, two FIA GT Championship titles and an overall victory in the 2000 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona to his name. The 43-year-old became a Ferrari factory driver in 2012 after eight seasons with GM’s Corvette Racing team and thus is very familiar with all the challenges and competition within the ALMS’ GT category.

Risi Competizione’s third driver for the 12 Hours of Sebring will be announced soon.

Team Principal, Giuseppe Risi, is upbeat about the driver line up he has brought together for the season ahead.

“In Olivier and Matteo we have an excellent combination of speed, youth and experience with which to launch our assault on the championship, and I have high hopes for this partnership,” Risi said.

Both drivers will be present at this week’s Winter Test to drive Risi’s new Ferrari 458 Italia GT starting tomorrow.