Former Formula One driver Kamui Kobayashi will replace the retired Alex Wurz for the Toyota Gazoo Racing team in the World Endurance Championship competition that includes the fabled Le Mans race, the Japanese car manufacturer announced Thursday.

Kobayashi, who steps up from test and reserve driver, will race alongside Stephane Sarrazin and Mike Conway in the completely new TS050 hybrid car.

Kobayashi, 29, made his F1 debut in 2009 and went on to start 75 Grands Prix for Toyota, Sauber and Caterham.