WEC: Chilton joins Nissan's LMP1 lineup

Ex-Formula 1 driver Max Chilton will race the new Nissan GT-R LM NISMO in the World Endurance Championship this season. The 23-year-old Briton, who raced for Marussia in 2013-14, has landed a full-season drive and fills the final spot in Nissan's two-car LMP1 squad for the start of the season.

"My aim has always been to race at the highest level and the technology that has gone into the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO is as impressive as a Formula 1 car," Chilton said. "I'm honored to have been asked to join a manufacturer as prestigious as Nissan in a championship that is growing year on year."

Chilton, who is testing in Indy Lights for the Carlin team, of which his father Grahame is chairman, added that racing at the Le Mans 24 Hours as a factory driver will be "a dream come true."

BUNCOMBE COMPLETES LE MANS LINEUP

Long-time Nissan driver Alex Buncombe has been announced as the final driver in the additional GT-R LM entered for Le Mans. The Briton makes the move to the P1 squad in his eighth season with the Japanese manufacturer, during which time he has raced its GT3, GT4, GT300 and V8 Supercars machinery as well as driving Nissan-engined LMP2 prototypes.

Buncombe said: "I was shocked when I got the call and I haven't been able to wipe the grin off my face ever since."

Chilton joins fellow ex-F1 driver Marc Gene, Olivier Pla, Harry Tincknell and Jann Mardenborough in Nissan's full-season roster.

Long-time Nissan driver Michael Krumm will contest the first three races before concentrating on a Super GT program in Japan.

The exact lineups in the two Nissans, numbered #22 and #23, will be announced at a later date. Buncombe, 33, will be teamed with Tsugio Matsuda and Lucas Ordonez in the additional car for Le Mans.

Testing of the Nissan LMP1 is continuing at Sebring this week.

Originally on Autosport.com