Hartley returns to the WEC with SMP Racing

Brendon Hartley will replace Jenson Button at SMP Racing in the next two rounds of the World Endurance Championship.

The former Toro Rosso driver's 2019 programme is slowly growing, with a simulator role at Ferrari followed by a temporary return to the WEC at Sebring in March and at Spa in early May.

Hartley will race at Russia's SMP Racing alongside Button's regular team mates, Vitaly Petrov and Mikhail Aleshin.

Hartley heads to Maranello for Ferrari simulator gig!

"I’m very pleased to join SMP Racing for the next two WEC races at Sebring and Spa," said the 29-year-old former Porsche LMP1 driver and 2017 Le Mans winner.

"The team have all the tools and a great driver roster so I think we have a big opportunity to fight for podiums.

"It marks my return to the WEC and I’m really looking forward to being back in the paddock amongst many familiar faces."

Hartley will have a familiar face sitting on the other side of the SMP Racing garage, with former Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin sharing the team's #17 car with Stéphane Sarrazin and Egor Orudzhev.

"I want to welcome Brendon Hartley, who joined our SMP Racing team," Sirotkin said.

"I have known Brendon for quite a long time, we get along well and he is an excellent driver who will certainly benefit our team."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.