Former Formula One driver Nelson Piquet Jr will compete in the RX Lites Cup at the second round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, AUTOSPORT World RX of Great Britain, which takes place at Lydden Hill race circuit this weekend (24-25 May).

RX Lites is run by Swedish rallycross specialists and multiple title-winning Olsbergs MSE and as a single-spec formula, RX Lites entrants compete in identical 310bhp, all-wheel-drive, rear-engined machinery while keeping costs to a minimum. The 2014 RX Lites winner will be awarded a Supercar drive at World RX of Argentina in November, while second and third placed drivers will have the chance to experience a test day in an Olsbergs MSE Supercar.

“I’m very excited about the chance to race this weekend and I’d like to thank the team and sponsors that invited me to the UK,” explained Piquet Jr. “I’ve lived in the UK and won a championship there [British Formula Three Championship] but it’s been five years since my last race on British soil. This is a good opportunity to learn more about rallycross and get to know the European drivers. It will be my first RX Lites race and it will prepare me well for the X Games too.”

Nelson Piquet Jr.