Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr will be on the grid of the world’s greatest endurance race next June. For the Formula E champion 2014-15 and former Renault F1 driver, this is a return to endurance racing. Piquet last raced at Le Mans ten years ago, finishing fourth in GT1 with David Brabham and Antonio Garcia in Team Modena’s Aston Martin DBR9.

I’ve signed with @RebellionRacing to race in @24hoursoflemans and @FIAWEC! Are you ready @nico_prost @NickHeidfeld?! pic.twitter.com/S3LVAgUm1M

— Nelson Piquet Jr. (@NelsonPiquet) March 7, 2016

Nelson Piquet will contest the first two legs of the World Endurance Championship, the 6 Hours of Silverstone and the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in preparation for Le Mans. "I am thrilled to be joining Rebellion Racing for several races this season including, of course, the Le Mans 24 Hours", he said. "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 as my team-mates. I can’t wait to get in the car at Paul Ricard later this month to begin our preparations."

Geoffroy Barre — Translated from French by Emma Paulay (quote courtesy of team press release)

Photo: Nelson Piquet Jr returns to Le Mans after a ten-year hiatus.