Massa signs with Venturi for Formula E Season 5

Ex-Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa will make his Formula E debut later this year after signing with Venturi for the electric championship's fifth season.

Massa called time on his F1 career at the end of 2017 after 15 years in the sport, making his final grand prix appearance in Abu Dhabi with Williams.

The 2008 F1 world championship runner-up confirmed his interest in Formula E, but stressed he did not want to join the series mid-season, setting his sights on securing a seat for Season 5 upon the introduction of the new Gen2 car.

Venturi announced in a statement on Tuesday that Massa had put pen to paper on a three-year deal, joining its line-up for the new campaign that is poised to start this October.

"I’m very happy to be joining the Venturi Formula E Team and the Formula E championship, which has become a magnificent competition in such a short space of time," Massa said.

"For some years now, I’ve been clear about my interest in this innovative, forward-looking discipline that’s developing exponentially. I especially like the format of race meetings, the city-centre circuits and the contact with the fans. I can’t wait to take part in testing at the end of the month.

Venturi president Gildo Pastor added: "It’s an honour to welcome Felipe to the Venturi family. I needed him, his experience, his speed, and his openness.

"Formula E is extremely complex to set up and drive. Even more so than in other disciplines, teamwork between the driver and the engineering team is one of the keys to success. Felipe’s 15 years’ experience in Formula 1 will definitely give us a boost.

"And with his humble nature, I know he will listen to the team and master the discipline quickly."