Ma replaces Duran at Aguri for remainder of Formula E season

The former HRT and Caterham F1 tester will remain with the team for the balance of the season, ending Duran's second stint with Aguri after just three races.

Ma's confirmation comes on the same day Aguri confirmed it is evaluating a new ownership bid, which is understood to be from a Chinese investment company.

Chinese driver Ma won two World Touring Car Championship across two seasons with the factory Citroen team, finishing fourth in the points last year after a bit-part 2014 campaign.

He said: "Joining Team Aguri is a great opportunity for me and I am very excited to be racing in Formula E, as the series has attracted some of the best drivers from around the world.

"I'm looking forward to racing in a single-seater series again and to managing the unique demands of a Formula E car, which is renowned for its handling and energy management demands."

Ma's debut is subject to confirmation from the FIA and race stewards.

He will be Aguri's second and final allowed driver change outside of reasons of force majeure, after Duran replaced Nathanael Berthon after the first three rounds of the campaign.

The team will need dispensation to replace Antonio Felix da Costa when the Portuguese driver misses the Berlin and Moscow races due to DTM commitments, but is expected to be granted this.

Autosport understands a stand-in for da Costa has been chosen and will be revealed next week.