Formula E: Sato gets Aguri seat for Beijing

IndyCar regular Takuma Sato will reunite with his former Formula 1 squad Aguri for the Formula E opener in Beijing this weekend.

The Super Aguri team that Sato raced for in F1 from 2006 to its mid-'08 closure has been revived for FE under the Amlin Aguri banner. After testing for the squad at Donington Park last month, Sato has agreed to stand in for regular Aguri driver Antonio Felix da Costa, who has a clashing DTM race at the Lausitzring with BMW. Sato will team with Katherine Legge.

"I'm excited to join the team, especially reconnecting with good old friends from Super Aguri F1 team days and going racing together again," said Sato. "Racing electric cars is something fascinating and it will take motorsport into a new direction and I'm thrilled to be playing a part in these early stages."

Team chairman Aguri Suzuki added: "Takuma is a proven driver and his presence will provide unity and experience for the team. "He has great knowledge of how to race on street circuits, which will also be an important attribute for us."

Aguri also announced that GP2 champion Fabio Leimer – whose main 2014 program is with the Rebellion LMP1 team in the World Endurance Championship – will be its reserve driver for Beijing.

The second seat at Andretti Autosport – the last remaining official vacancy on the FE grid for Beijing – is expected to be filled by Lotus F1 reserve Charles Pic.