The Australian will join the European Le Mans Series with LMP2 team Niesen Racing.

Doohan tested at Paul Ricard earlier this year, raising suspicions that the 23-year-old would pivot towards endurance racing.

He will partner ex-Formula 2 driver Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson in the #24 car.

“I’m really excited to be back racing in 2026 and to be joining Nielsen Racing for my first season in LMP2,” said Doohan.

“It’s a new challenge with a lot to learn, but I’m confident we’ll get up to speed quickly with such a strong team around me.

“With Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson, we have a great mix of experience and hunger, and I’m looking forward to building strong chemistry and pushing for results.

“The Oreca 07 is a fantastic car and a very different challenge, and I can’t wait to get started in the European Le Mans Series.”

Doohan will be one of two Australians in the squad with James Allen joining Alex Quinn and Kriton Lentoudis in the sister #27 car.

Doohan was in line to join Kondo Racing in Japan’s top single seater series, Super Formula.

However, a deal ultimately did not come to pass.

Three crashes at the Degner corners during pre-season testing cast some doubt over Doohan’s participation.

However, speaking with Motorsport.com, Kondo Racing boss Toyota’s global motorsport director Masaya Kaji said the incidents did not play a part.

“His target was always F1,” said Kaji.

“Becoming a Toyota [works] driver may have been an option for us, but my feeling was that Super Formula was not a major priority for him.

“Of course, there were crashes in the test, but Kondo Racing was not upset at all by the crashes, and they were preparing to support him.

“I think he had some doubts over the best course of action.

“Budgets were also a factor, of course, and many other things. But I don’t think he ever had the intention of only doing Super Formula, and he had to work out his priority.

“I don’t think the crashes at Degner were the reason he made that decision. I don’t think you would decide purely on that.

“There’s still a chance we could work together in future, and it’s also not to say that we don’t have a good relationship currently. It’s not a negative situation.”

The European Le Mans Series begins with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on April 12.

The six-round series will also visit Paul Ricard in France, Imola in Italy, Spa in Belgium, Silverstone in the United Kingdom, and Portimao in Portugal.