America FIA Formula E squad Andretti Autosport enters this weekend’s third round of the championship in Uruguay with a new star behind the wheel – former Toro Roso Formula 1 driver Jean-Eric Vergne.

Vergne will race with the American-born Matthew Brabham for Andretti as the series visits South America for the first time in Punta del Este – a city and resort on the Atlantic Coast of southeastern Uruguay.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has contested the past three Formula 1 seasons for the Red Bull junior team, collecting 51 points for Toro Rosso.

“It’s not often that you get to race at this time of the year,” said Vergne (pictured right).

“I am really looking forward to this opportunity, especially given its location in a place like Punta del Este. Although I have no experience in this new series, I am excited about the prospect of racing in Formula E, and racing for such a prestigious team as Andretti.

“As always, the main objective of the weekend is to stay out front and finish the year on a high note. The weekend will be a little like a journey into the unknown, but it is a journey that I am thoroughly looking forward to!”

Brabham gets his second outing for Andretti in the all-electric series after making his debut at the last round of the series in Malaysia. Brabham finished 13th in an eventful race at the previous round in Putrajaya where he tangled with Venturi’s Nick Heidfeld on the opening lap.

“It is a great opportunity to be back in Formula E with Andretti once again,” said Brabham.

“Sharing the garage with Jean-Eric will be an awesome learning experience. He is very highly rated and comes fresh from a season in Formula 1.

“As part of my reserve driver role with the team, it is a really big step up for me to be alongside someone that has literally just stepped out of an F1 car, but I want to take the time to work with him and the Andretti Formula-E team and learn as much as I can, as well as chase a solid result.”

The third round of the FIA Formula E championship will be shown live on FOX Sports 2 tomorrow.