Vergne seals WEC drive with Manor LMP2 squad

The ex-Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver will combine his new sportscar racing commitments with his drive in Formula E for the Techeetah outfit.

Vergne told Motorsport.com last month that he was interested in a foray into endurance racing, now that he is free from his previous reserve driver duties with the Ferrari F1 team.

He joins Tor Graves, Roberto Gonzalez, Simon Trummer and Jonathan Hirschi in the Manor LMP2 roster, although the newly Chinese-backed team has yet to reveal how it will arrange its line-ups.

“I'm extremely happy to join CEFC Manor TRS Racing for the WEC season," said Vergne, who is expected to skip the Nurburgring round in order to contest the clashing New York Formula E double-header.

"Endurance racing and especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans is something that has been more and more on my mind lately. I couldn't ask for more than to start this experience with such a great team. 

"I can't wait to be behind the wheel and bring my motivation to the team to achieve great results together."

Vergne's arrival leaves Manor with just one more space in its two-car line-up ahead of next month's WEC opener at Silverstone.

“We are very happy to welcome Jean-Eric to the team," added Manor sporting director Graeme Lowdon. "He is a very talented driver that we have followed over the years as we have raced alongside him in F1.

"We are really looking forward to starting the season and working together with Jean-Eric and I hope that, together, we will have a really successful year.”