Simona de Silvestro will contest the FIA Formula E Championship after agreeing a deal with Andretti Autosport.

The former IndyCar regular is the latest driver to confirm plans to join the all-electric single seater series which is gearing up for its second season.

A former Sauber Formula 1 test driver, de Silvestro has already enjoyed a taste of Formula E action when she made her debut for Andretti in the final two rounds of the inaugural season at London in June.

De Silvestro finished 11th and 12th in the two races at London’s Battersea Park.

“I’m really happy to be full time in the championship again and to work with both Amlin and TE Connectivity,” said de Silvestro.

“I’m also looking forward to being part of developing the new Andretti Technologies powertrain and hope for a successful year with a great team.”

Software issues restricted any meaningful running for de Silvestro in the opening day of the second pre-season test, which saw Daniel Abt smash the unofficial Formula E lap record at Donington Park.

The Abt Audi Sport driver posted a 1:30.250 effort which was 0.8s quicker than Sebastien Buemi’s previous circuit record.

Nicolas Prost trailed Abt by 0.771s while DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird was fractionally slower in third.

Dragon Racing’s Loic Duval was fourth ahead of Venturi’s new signing Jacques Villeneuve.

Teams encountered reliability issues as development work continues on the new powertrains being introduced for the second season.

Sebastien Buemi (e.dams) and reigning Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr (China Racing) logged just 20 laps between them after being struck by battery issues.

Pre-season testing at Donington Park resumes later today.