Ex-F1 driver Vergne joins CEFC Manor for WEC

Jean-Eric Vergne has signed with CEFC Manor TRS Racing for the 2017 season, to drive an ORECA 07 Gibson.

The French ex-F1 driver, who drove for Red Bull Racing's sister team Toro Rosso, will make his first season in sports cars as part of the deal with the British outfit, which will run parallel with his Formula E commitments.

"I'm extremely happy to join CEFC Manor TRS Racing for the WEC season," said Vergne (pictured). "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 and achieve great results."

For Manor, 2017 marks its second season in endurance racing after team bosses Graeme Lowdon and John Booth moved on from their F1 venture. In 2016 the team ran a pair of ORECA 05s in the LMP2 class, as the first step toward a future LMP1 program, which was revealed to be with British manufacturer Ginetta and its new chassis for 2018.

"We are very happy to welcome Jean-Eric to the team," added 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 him, I hope we have a really successful year."