Mercedes factory driver Maro Engel will make his Formula E debut with Venturi in the all-electric series’ third season, partnering Stephane Sarrazin.
Engel, 30, has spent the majority of his career in touring cars, winning the 2016 Nürburgring 24 Hours and the FIA GT World Cup in Macau last November.
The German will now return to single-seaters with Venturi in Formula E, having last raced a car without a roof back in 2007 in Formula 3.
“After giving me the opportunity to develop their new car, Venturi, a top team in Formula E, offered me the chance to participate in the championship. I am very happy,” Engel said.
”Efficient cars, great drivers, important manufacturers, races in big cities: the series is already a success and as a driver it’s very important to be part of it.
“Driving Formula E is really challenging. From the first laps on-track I had very positive feelings. To drive a Venturi Formula E car is a great experience. Pushing for maximum speed, but at the same time it’s also managing energy and power - it is very complex and you really need to think ahead to be able to perform.
“My adaptation went very well as we had time during the testing days to work in very good conditions, I have been able to acquire a good understanding of the car.
“I love racing on street circuits and am now really looking forward to the start of season three together with my highly motivated team.”
With Engel’s arrival, British racer Mike Conway is now left without a seat, having previously replaced Jacques Villeneuve at Venturi.
Conway has been linked with a move to the new Jaguar outfit, and said recently that he hoped to resolve his future in the next two weeks.