Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has replaced Nick Heidfeld at Venturi for Formula E’s second season.

The news was announced today by the Monaco-based team. Venturi is not only a constructor in season two but it is also supply its powertrain to Dragon Racing, so the spotlight will be firmly on the outfit.

Villeneuve has tested for Venturi over the course of the private manufacturers’ tests and will line up alongside first season regular Stephane Sarrazin. There’s no word yet as to why Heidfeld isn’t returning in the black, white and red machines.

“It had been 10 years since I had driven on that kind of track with a single-seater, but it’s like riding a bike, you never forget,” said the Canadian. “It was real happiness. There was a very good ambiance with the Venturi team and one of the engineers with Venturi happens to be a guy I worked with early in my career. That was great. I was very excited and everything went well. Last season each time I met drivers from Formula-E they were saying it is really a very interesting championship. This is the first time in several years that I will participate in a full championship. I am excited because the atmosphere while working alongside the Venturi team is great and that has a very big influence. Also I know Stéphane Sarrazin well, we trust each other.”

venturi.fr