Gutierrez lands Mercedes reserve role in Formula E

Ex-Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez has been named as Mercedes' reserve and development driver in Formula E ahead of the team's debut in Saudi Arabia next weekend.

Gutierrez linked up with Mercedes in a simulator role through 2018 after previously racing for Sauber and Haas in Formula 1, making 59 starts across three seasons, as well as enjoying forays into IndyCar and Formula E.

The Mexican has remained part of Mercedes' team through 2019, and will now expand his responsibilities to support its Formula E drivers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries, through the 2019-20 season.

"I'm very much looking forward to continuing my journey with the Mercedes family by joining Formula E as a Reserve and Development Driver," said Gutierrez.

"I would like to thank the team for giving me the chance to join them as they embark on this new and exciting chapter."

"We will face a lot of challenges in our first season in Formula E, so I'm really pleased we've been able to acquire the services of Esteban, another experienced driver," said Mercedes Formula E chief Ian James.

"He did an excellent job during testing in Majorca, fitting in perfectly with the team. He has a lot of experience to offer from racing in a number of different series - Formula 1, Formula E and IndyCar - and has also gained a lot of know-how in the simulator about how to develop and set up a car.

"We are certain that he will be of enormous help with the tasks we face in our debut season in his joint role as Reserve and Development Driver with Gary [Paffett]."

Gutierrez is understood to have been considered for a full-time seat in Formula E with Mercedes, only to be passed over in favour of Vandoorne and de Vries.