The Spaniard, who competed with Manor Racing in Formula 1 last year, will now drive for the team set up by the former chiefs of the F1 squad John Booth and Graeme Lowdon.

Merhi was left without a drive in F1 for this year after Manor hired Indonesian Rio Haryanto to join Pascal Wehrlein, but will now join his former F1 teammate Will Stevens at Manor in the WEC.

The 25-year-old will drive one of the two ORECA 05 LMP2 cars the team will field this year.

"I'm really excited to be part of this new exciting chapter with Manor," Merhi said. "It is a great opportunity to work with Graeme, John and the team again.

"This is my first time at endurance racing, LMP2 is a very strong championship and I am looking forward to getting into the ORECA 05 LMP2 and seeing what we can all achieve together."

"It is great to welcome Roberto back to Manor," Booth added. "Roberto is a talented driver with plenty of speed and experience.

"I know that he will fit in straight away having worked with many of the team before and also been a team mate to Will Stevens last year."