The Venturi Formula E team has signed Formula 1 race winner Felipe Massa on a three-year contract that will see him compete in the series beginning next season.

The Brazilian inked a deal with the Monaco-based team that will see him on the grid from the 2018/19 campaign, and will take part in a private test session in the squad’s current car before the end of the month.

“I’m very happy to be joining the Venturi Formula E Team and the Formula E championship, which has become a magnificent competition in such a short space of time,” said Massa.

“For some years now, I’ve been clear about my interest in this innovative, forward-looking discipline that’s developing exponentially.

“I especially like the format of race meetings, the city-centre circuits and the contact with the fans.

“I can’t wait to take part in testing at the end of the month. Gildo (Pastor, Venturi president) has always been a step ahead when it comes to high performance electricity vehicles.

“The team is in a phase of growth and development. I’ll do everything I can to contribute to the project and hopefully I’ll be among the front runners.”

Massa lost his drive with Williams at the end of 2017 when he was replaced by Sergey Sirotkin at the squad.

He had planned to retire after the 2016 season but was called up for another year when Valtteri Bottas switched to Mercedes due to Nico Rosberg’s shock retirement.

During his 15-year F1 career, Massa accumulated 11 grands prix wins, 16 pole positions and 41 podiums.