Amlin Aguri, a new racing team sponsored by London-based global insurance company Amlin, has confirmed its driver line-up for the inaugural race for the all-electric FIA Formula E Championship.
Takuma Sato will join Katherine Legge for the opening ePrix in Beijing on September 13, with Fabio Leimer acting as the team’s reserve driver. Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa, already confirmed for the team, is unable to compete in Beijing due to his DTM commitments.
Takuma Sato began competing in Formula 1 in 2002 driving for Jordan Grand Prix and Super Aguri F1. In 2010, he moved to IndyCar driving for KV Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing before joining A.J. Foyt Racing for the 2013 season where he became the first Japanese driver ever to win in IndyCar at the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Fabio Leimer, 25, joins the team as reserve driver for the Beijing race having tested with Amlin Aguri over the summer. He is one of motor sport’s brightest talents, being the reigning GP2 champion, and currently drives for Rebellion Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Takuma Sato said: “I’m very much looking forward to making history with Amlin Aguri as we compete in the first ever Formula E race. I’m excited to join the team especially reconnecting with good old friends from Super Aguri F1 team days and going racing together again. I’ll be pushing hard to make sure we’re doing our absolute best in Beijing. Racing electric cars is something fascinating and it will take motorsport into a new direction and I’m thrilled to be playing a part in these early stages.”
