Daniel Abt has been signed by the NIO 333 team to replace Ma Qinghua for the six remaining races of the 2019-20 Formula E season.
Ma Qing Hua had to miss the final races of the season due to travel restrictions from China into Europe, which also affects many team members who are based in China.
Abt, who was suspended by Audi last month after he used a sim racer to take his place in the FE Race at Home Challenge Esports competition, and it looks unlikely that he would return to the all-electric series for the foreseeable future.
But Abt will now continue in the series, which could give him the opportunity to race in season seven if he performs well alongside his new teammate Oliver Turvey.
Abt said: “I always loved racing and Formula E, therefore the opportunity to race in the final six races, my home races, and continue my record of competing in every single Formula E race is very exciting.
“I have been working with a leading manufacturer for the last three years, therefore, I have a lot of experience and input for the team.
“I will do everything I can to achieve results together with Oliver.”
A statement from NIO 333 read: “The team made this decision with careful consideration and have inquired with key figures of the Formula E paddock.”
Vincent Wang, the NIO 333 team CEO, added: “When the possibility of signing Daniel for the Berlin finale was presented to me, it was an exciting prospect.