IndyCar racer Takuma Sato is the latest new name to join the FIA Formula E grid this weekend when the series debuts in China.

Sato will join TUDOR United SportsCar Championship racer Katherine Legge for the opening ePrix in Beijing on September 13, with Fabio Leimer acting as the team’s reserve driver. Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa, already confirmed for the team, is unable to compete in Beijing due to his DTM commitments in Germany.

Takuma Sato began competing in Formula 1 in 2002 driving for Jordan Grand Prix, BAR-Honda and Super Aguri F1.  In 2010, he moved to IndyCar driving for KV Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing before joining A.J. Foyt Racing for the 2013 season where he became the first Japanese driver ever to win in IndyCar at the Long Beach Grand Prix.

“I’m very much looking forward to making history with Amlin Aguri as we compete in the first ever Formula E race,” said Sato.

“I’m excited to join the team especially reconnecting with good old friends from Super Aguri F1 team days and going racing together again.  I’ll be pushing hard to make sure we’re doing our absolute best in Beijing. Racing electric cars is something fascinating and it will take motorsport into a new direction and I’m thrilled to be playing a part in these early stages.”

Fabio Leimer, 25, joins the team as reserve driver for the Beijing race having tested with Amlin Aguri over the summer.  He is one of motorsport’s brightest talents, being the reigning GP2 champion, and currently drives for Rebellion Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

“On behalf of everyone at Amlin Aguri it is my pleasure to welcome Takuma and Fabio into our Formula E team,” said team owner, Aguri Suzuki.

“This new electric series is showcasing the bright future of motorsport and we’re all looking forward to embarking on this journey together. Takuma is a proven driver and his presence will provide unity and experience for the team. He has great knowledge of how to race on street circuits which will also be an important attribute for us.”