Jaguar Returns To Racing via Formula-E

Jaguar took the wraps off its new electric motorsport future, revealing its Formula E team’s official name, vision, title sponsor, driver line-up and electric racing livery.

Starting with the debut race this October, Panasonic Jaguar Racing will compete in the third FIA Formula E season with the first all-electric Jaguar race car in the company’s history: the I-TYPE 1.

The new I-TYPE 1 made a dramatic debut at the Jaguar Collections Centre in Gaydon, England driven by the team’s official reserve driver Ho-Pin Tung. The private media event served as the backdrop from which Jaguar outlined the brand’s commitment to ‘Race To Innovate’ – a mission to change the perception of electric vehicles, to develop new electric technology and to inspire future generations.

Jaguar’s return to top-level racing is spearheaded with an exciting race driver line-up that includes a mix of youth and experience with both Adam Carroll and Mitch Evans confirmed to drive the I-TYPE 1 in the team’s inaugural season.

Jaguar detailed its partnership with Panasonic that will see the leading electronics and automotive technology company partner with the Jaguar Racing Formula E team to develop a future that promises to push the boundaries of electric technology in a performance environment. In addition, Jaguar was pleased to announce automotive seating and electrical systems supplier, Lear Corporation, will also join as an Official Team Partner.

Gerd Mäuser, Chairman of Panasonic Jaguar Racing said: “Today marks a new chapter in the history of Jaguar Racing. As the first premium car manufacturer in Formula E we are proud to be back in top-level motorsport. The future is changing and we’re part of that change. We can’t wait to begin racing competitively in world famous city locations inspiring a whole new generation of Jaguar Racing fans to join us on this exciting journey. Formula E is the perfect platform to inspire the next generation.”

Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, underlined the important role Formula E will play in developing next generation electric vehicle technology and the importance of electric vehicles in Jaguar Land Rover’s future product portfolio. Jaguar Land Rover is Britain’s largest research and development investor across any business sector.

Rogers said: “Over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. The Formula E championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions. We will apply this vital knowledge as part of our real world development. At Jaguar Land Rover we employ 9,000 engineers and the team will draw on these engineers to extract data and push the boundaries of electric technology in a race environment.”

The Panasonic Jaguar Racing team has successfully completed 21 days of testing, up to and including the last Formula E public test, which finished at Donington Park Circuit yesterday.

James Barclay, Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team Director said: “Today is a proud moment for myself and the entire Panasonic Jaguar Racing team at our official launch. Everyone has worked very hard over the last nine months to prepare for our debut in the Championship. I am delighted to welcome Adam, Mitch and Ho-Pin, Panasonic, Lear and all of our new fans into the Jaguar family. 

We want to be successful on and off the track.  We know that the challenge will be strong – our competitors have a two-year head start.  We will be keeping our expectations in check in our first season. Ultimately, we’re here to win but we’re here to innovate too. I would like to thank Jean Todt and his team at the FIA and Alejandro Agag and his team at Formula E for their vision in building this innovative series and for their help and support over the last 12 months with Jaguar’s entry.”

PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING TEAM DRIVERS

Adam Carroll, 33 years old, Northern Ireland

Adam brings speed and experience to Jaguar with a career that spans from karting, to F3, GP2, A1GP, IndyCar and WEC. He has also successfully carried out the bulk of Panasonic Jaguar’s Formula E testing duties.

Adam Carroll said: “It’s a real privilege to be racing for Jaguar in Formula E. You only have to look at the calibre of the other drivers in the series to see the level of competitiveness and prestige that this championship now has. To drive for Jaguar is also a dream come true. They are the biggest brand to come into the series and one of the most evocative names in racing.”

Mitch Evans, 22 years old, New Zealand

With multiple karting and open-wheel championship titles to his name including the 2012 GP3 Championship, Mitch is a young driver with proven race credentials. He has also competed in the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 2nd in class in 2015. In 2016, he competed in the GP2 Series for Campos Racing.

Mitch Evans commented: “Formula E is a real drivers’ championship with some of the most competitive racing in the world. Any of the drivers will tell you how challenging it is to find the limit in a Formula E car and gain those extra tenths and I’m looking forward to the season ahead. Some of history’s most iconic cars have been developed by Jaguar, and I’m thrilled to be part of Jaguar’s electric future and our return to motorsport.”

Ho-Pin Tung, 33 years old, China

Ho-Pin joins Panasonic Jaguar Racing with extensive open-wheel racing experience including F3, A1GP, GP2, WEC, IndyCar and F1 testing. Tung also brings real-world Formula E experience to the team, having competed in three races in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship.

Ho-Pin Tung said: “I believe that Jaguar’s entry to the series is a significant moment for the FIA Formula E Championship. I have direct experience of racing in this series and have seen how effectively Formula E brings a thrilling showcase of next generation technologies right to the cities of fans around the world. I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the future of electric mobility and to Jaguar’s significant racing legacy.”