Petrov to make racing return in WEC

Vitaly Petrov

Former Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov will return to racing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2016, having spent a year on the sidelines.

Petrov, 31, raced in Formula 1 with Renault and Caterham between 2010 and 2012, claiming the first podium for a Russian driver at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix.

Since losing his Caterham seat at the end of 2012, Petrov's only racing experience came when he contested the 2014 DTM series for Mercedes, though he finished the campaign without a point.

Petrov will return to the cockpit with SMP Racing in the LMP2 division of next year's WEC.

"I want to tell you the news – I will spend 2016 with SMP Racing, in the World Endurance Championship," Petrov posted on social media.

"Together with the Russian crew [we will] defend the colors of the tricolor in the famous Le Mans 24 Hours."