Bethonie WaringEx-Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa will join the Formula E grid next season after signing a three-year deal with Venturi.
The 2008 F1 runner-up will play a “vital” role for the Monegasque team, with his arrival part of a development process.
“It’s an honour to welcome Felipe to the Venturi family,” said Venturi president Gildo Pastor. “I needed him, his experience, his speed, and his openness.
“Formula E is extremely complex to set up and drive. Even more so than in other disciplines, teamwork between the drivers and the engineering team is one of the keys to success.
“Felipe’s 15 years’ experience in Formula 1 will definitely give us a boost. And with his humble nature, I know he will listen to the team and master the discipline quickly.”
Massa already has limited FE experience, having completed tests with Jaguar in his brief retirement from Formula 1 at the end of 2016. He is set to take part in private tests with Venturi before the end of the month.
“I’m very happy to be joining the Venturi Formula E team and the Formula E championship, which has become a magnificent competition in such a short space of time,” said Massa.
“For some years now, I’ve been clear about my interest in this innovative, forward-looking discipline that’s developing exponentially. I especially like the format of race meetings, the city-centre circuits, and contact with the fans. I can’t wait to take part in testing at the end of the month.
“Gildo has always been a step ahead when it comes to high performance electric vehicles. The team is in a phase of growth and development. I’ll do everything I can to contribute to the project and hopefully I’ll be among the front runners.”
Venturi has not yet confirmed who will be joining Massa for the 2018-19 season. It’s 2017-18 drivers, Edoardo Mortara and Maro Engel, currently lie 11th and 12th in the drivers’ championship.
