The Briton returns to the series for the first time since the Le Mans 24 Hours, where he partnered Rast and Roman Rusinov aboard the JOTA-run team's Oreca 05-Nissan car, finishing second in the LMP2 class.

Stevens was subsequently dropped from the G-Drive line-up - his place being taken by Alex Brundle - but a vacancy has opened up for Fuji, with Audi-contracted Rast replacing Mattias Ekstrom for the DTM finale at Hockenheim.

“I am delighted to return to WEC with G-Drive Racing for the Fuji event," said Stevens. "I really enjoyed my time with the team at Le Mans, where we showed we could mount a strong challenge for a potential victory.

"Fuji is a new circuit for me, but one where I think we will have a very strong package in the G-Drive Racing ORECA 05-Nissan.”

G-Drive team boss Sam Hignett added: “We are happy to welcome Will back to the team in Rene’s absence for the Fuji race. The choice was made easy for us after Rene was called up for DTM duty.

"Will integrated in to the team very quickly at Le Mans and showed good pace and consistency at the wheel. He is obviously a very talented driver and one who has the attributes to have a great endurance career."