LMP1 outfit Rebellion Racing has recruited the services of Nelson Piquet Jr for the first three rounds of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Brazilian, son of three time Formula 1 champion Nelson Sr, will partner Nick Heidfeld and Nicolas Prost in the #12 Rebellion R-One AER.
The highly-decorated trio will race together at Silverstone, Spa and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Piquet Jr is set to return to the French endurance classic for the first time in 10 years. His last appearance came in a GT1-class Aston Martin which he shared with Antonio Garcia and David Brabham.
The reigning Formula E champion will get his first taste of the LMP1-spec Rebellion at the Paul Ricard Prologue test on March 25-26.
“I am thrilled to be joining Rebellion Racing for several races this season including, of course, the Le Mans 24 Hours,” said Piquet Jr. “That race is one of the most special motorsport events in the world and I loved it so much when I raced there in 2006 that it has been very high on my list ever since to do it again.”
“I couldn’t be happier than to be doing it with such a great team and together with Nico and Nick as my teammates. I can’t wait to get in the car at Paul Ricard later this month to begin our preparations.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Nelson Piquet Jr to the Rebellion Racing team,” added team boss Bart Hayden. “As the reigning Formula E champion, Nelson has been racing against Nico and Nick, but now the three of them will be partnering together in one car for Rebellion Racing and we are confident that they will be strong teammates.”
“Le Mans requires the best level of preparation, so we are also pleased that Nelson will be able to drive for Rebellion Racing at the Prologue and the first two rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone and Spa. We are only a few weeks away from the Prologue and are all looking forward to the start of the new season.”
