Former GP2 champion Fabio Leimer will partner Sam Bird at Virgin Racing for this weekend’s race in Battersea Park. The news was revealed today by the team.

It’s unclear what the move means for the long-term future of Jaime Alguersuari, whom Leimer replaces. The Spaniard was one of the first Formula E drivers signed and has competed in every race for the team. More details are expected soon.

Leimer has raced in WEC for Rebellion Racing (a team also home to Nico Prost, Nick Heidfeld and Daniel Abt) and is the reserve and development driver for the Manor F1 team. He drove the Formula E car in preseason testing last summer and had been set for a drive in Beijing with Amlin Aguri (but he was replaced at the last minute by Sato).

Virgin enters the final round of the season in P6 of the teams’ championship, with a six point gap to Andretti in P5 and a 36 point cushion to Amlin Aguri in P7.

Leimer won’t be the only Formula E race newbie in London. Andretti, NextEV TCR and Amlin Aguri all have new faces, while Trulli is expected to announce a replacement for Liuzzi too.

Leimer said: “As a racing driver, I love a challenge, so joining Virgin Racing for the London ePrix will be a great test. It’s going to be an incredible and unique experience racing on the London street circuit and an even more special occasion racing for a new team in their home race. I’m looking forward to racing alongside Sam and hopefully contributing to as successful season finale for the team.”

Virgin team principal, Alex Tai, added: “We are delighted to have a driver of Fabio’s quality and experience join the team for the final race of the season in London. This weekend promises to be a fantastic end to a great championship and so we’re looking forward to seeing Fabio and Sam finish the season for the team in style.”

virginracing.com

Tom Spencer