Former F1 racer Piquet Jr secures Le Mans return

Add Nelson Piquet Jr to the list of former F1 drivers set to race at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, with the reigning Formula E champion securing an LMP1 seat at Rebellion Racing.

The Brazilian – the son of triple world champion Nelson Piquet – will partner Nicolas Prost and Nick Heideld, against whom he usually competes in the all-electric series, in the #12 Rebellion R-One LMP1 AER powered car.

As part of his preparations for Le Mans, Piquet Jr will also take part in the 6 Hours of Silverstone and 6 Hours of WEC. The 30-year-old has already raced once at the French endurance classic, claiming fourth in the 2006 GT1 class alongside David Brabham and Antonio Garcia in an Aston Martin DBR9.

“I am thrilled to be joining Rebellion Racing for several races this season including, of course, the Le Mans 24 Hours,” Piquet Jr said upon the announcement.

“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 [Prost] and Nick [Heidfeld] as my teammates. I can’t wait to get in the car at Paul Ricard later this month to begin our preparations.”

Piquet Jr’s F1 career only spanned 28 grands prix at Renault in 2008-09, though he did manage to secure one podium finish. His name remains associated with the infamous Crashgate controversy when he deliberately crashed at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to help team-mate Fernando Alonso win the race.

Since leaving the sport, Piquet has shone in a wide range of series, including NASCAR, Rallycross, and Formula E where he won the inaugural championship last year.

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