Ex-Formula 1 driver Sergey Sirotkin is set to make at least two FIA World Endurance Championship appearances with the SMP Racing LMP1 team in 2019.
Sirotkin, who is affiliated to SMP is set to make his WEC LMP1 race debut in March's Sebring 1000 Miles in the Russian squad's #11 BR Engineering BR1. He would replace Jenson Button due to the event clashing with his Super GT commitments with Honda.
Button will be back for Le Mans 24 Hours and with Sirotkin saying he would "for sure" be returning to the French classic in June, suggesting a further shuffle of the SMP driver line-up.
"WEC is not even an option, it is almost an obligation," Sirotkin told Motorsport.com. "I can almost guarantee you that you’ll see me racing in WEC next year.
"I think it is clear for which team and in which car. Maybe even from Sebring onwards, and Le Mans for sure."