Former Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez will make his debut in endurance racing this season and join Inter Europol Competition in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Mexican pilot, who competed in 59 Grands Prix with Sauber and Haas between 2013 and 2016, will be the partner of Kuba Smiechowski and Alex Brundle on board the # 34 ORECA 07 Gibson of the team.
Gutierrez effectively replaces Renger van der Zande in the team’s line-up, with the Dutchman unable to contest a second season due to conflicting IMSA commitments.
“I’m excited to join the Inter Europol competition team for the FIA WEC 2022 season,” said Gutierrez. “A big thank you to the team for giving me the opportunity to ride with Kuba Smiechowski and Alex Brundle.
“With the progress of the team and our shared ambition, I am confident that we will form an excellent team. Endurance races are a new challenge for me. “
“I will focus on learning as much as possible and as quickly as possible. It is an honor for me to work in racing again in this competitive and prestigious series. “
Gutierrez has never driven anything other than single-seaters in his career. After leaving the Haas F1 Team at the end of 2016, the 30-year-old competed in seven IndyCar races as a replacement for the injured Sebastien Bourdais.
He also drove briefly in Formula E and was a substitute driver for the Mercedes Formula 1 team until 2020 when it turned out that he was no longer eligible for a super license.
“We are happy to welcome Esteban to the team,” said team manager Sascha Fassbender. “I am confident that this will be a strong year for the team.”
“Thanks to Renger van de Zande, who worked hard with Alex and Kuba last year to bring us to this level.”
“With Esteban on the team, we have a strong line-up to achieve our ambitions. I look forward to working together to achieve great things this season. “
