1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve will race in the electric Formula E series next season for Venturi GP.
Villeneuve has tried his hand at various racing series since leaving F1 and last week tested Venturi's Formula E car at Circuit Paul Ricard. He has been signed to race along Stephane Sarrazin at the team and joins the ranks of ex-F1 drivers plying their trade in the electric car racing series.
"This is the first time in several years that I will participate in a full championship," Villeneuve said. "I am excited because the atmosphere while working alongside the Venturi team is great and that has a very big influence. Also I know Stephane Sarrazin well, we trust each other.
"It had been ten years since I had driven on that kind of track with a single-seater, but it's like riding a bike, you never forget. It was real happiness. There was a very good ambiance with the Venturi team and one of the engineers with Venturi happens to be a guy I worked with early in my career."
Meanwhile, ex Toro-Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari has had to put his racing career on hold, including withdrawing from the 2015-2016 Formula E championship. After fainting at the Moscow round last season, the FIA has temporarily suspended his racing licence until more is known about the incident.
"During the month of July I underwent several tests for which there has not been a medical resolution and I am still waiting for the final diagnosis," Alguersuari said. "For this reason I need to announce that, unfortunately, I will not be able to take part in the FIA Formula E Championship for the 2015/16 season with my team DS Virgin Racing.
"I want to wish good luck to the team in the new championship and thank everyone for their support. In September I will announce my future plans."
Alguersuari has been replaced at DS Virgin Racing by fellow ex-Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne, who is also a development driver for Ferrari.