Hartley replaces Button

Brendon Hartley is returning to the World Endurance Championship, replacing British ace Jensen Button in the Russian SMP team for the next two rounds. Axed by Formula 1 outfit Toro Rosso after a frustrating 2018 campaign, the 29-year-old Kiwi driver has been quick to pick up alternatives. His deal with SMP comes hot on the heels of being signed by glamour team Ferrari as a simulator driver for their 2019 F1 season. Hartley has also been retained as a contracted driver with Porsche. Hartley won the 2015 and 2017 world endurance titles with Porsche and SMP have been quick to jump on those skills.