Abt and Imperatori join Rebellion

rebellionRebellion Racing this week announced their final driver line-ups for the 2015 WEC season. In a surprising addition to the already strong squad, German driver Daniel Abt has followed the lead of a number of his Formula E colleagues and joined the FIA WEC. Due to Rebellion’s problems integrating its new AER power unit, Abt will have to wait until Le Mans for a taste of the action.

Alongside Abt, another new name will be joining the Swiss team for the 2015 WEC Season. Fellow Swiss driver Alexandre Imperatori, no stranger to the WEC paddock, will also join Rebellion for its two-car programme. Abt and Imperatori will join long-time Rebellion driver Dominik Kraihamer in the second team car, with the driver line-up in the lead car remaining unchanged (Nicolas Prost, Nick Heidfeld and Mathias Beche).

For Daniel Abt, the switch to Rebellion Racing marks his first contact with the World Endurance Championship. Last season the 22-year-old was racing in GP2 and looking to further his career. As chances of a Formula 1 seat are slim to none at the moment, Abt grasped the initiative and joined the Audi Sport Formula E team last year. By moving to the WEC, Abt is following the lead of the likes of teammates Nick Heidfeld and Nicolas Prost, who also race in the FIA-sanctioned series.

The second new face at Rebellion is that of Alexandre Imperatori. The Swiss driver made his debut for KCMG in 2013 and gave the Hong Kong-registered team its first podiums in the LMP2 category at the end of last season. With Nick Tandy taking Imperatori’s seat at KCMG, the Swiss has had to look elsewhere for a WEC drive.

However, it will be a waiting game for Abt and Imperatori for the time being, as a change in engine supplier at Rebellion Racing has pushed back the launch of their 2015 programme. Rebellion will miss the first two rounds in Silverstone and Spa Francorchamps.

Via: Rebellion Racing press release

Image source: Rebellion Racing