Jaguar announces its return to international motorsport in the Formula E series for electric racing cars.
In the autumn of 2016, Jaguar will enter the third season the FIA Formula E Championship, returning as a manufacturer with its own team.
Jaguar Land Rover said the “Formula E will offer a unique opportunity for Jaguar Land Rover to further develop the future EV powertrain including motor and battery technology.”
Formula E will act as a live test bed for developing electric technology for JLR vehicles and engineers from the road car side will work closely with the race team.
Nick Rogers, Group Engineering Director for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “I am proud to announce Jaguar’s return to racing with an entry into the innovative FIA Formula E championship. Electric vehicles will absolutely play a role in Jaguar Land Rover’s future product portfolio and Formula E will give us a unique opportunity to further our development of electrification technologies. The Championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions.
It is my belief that over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. Formula E has recognised and reacted to these trends and the championship’s exciting and pioneering approach is the perfect fit for our brand. ”
Alejandro Agag, Chief Executive Officer for Formula E, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jaguar into Formula E. Jaguar is a brand with a rich sporting heritage and the fact that it is returning to global motorsport with Formula E is a huge endorsement of the championship and its ability to influence the development of electric cars. Jaguar brings with it a passionate fan base that will drive the popularity of the championship across the world and once again shows that Formula E is the future of motorsport.”
Jean Todt, President of the FIA said: “We built this series to offer an alternative competition for manufacturers to step into the sport and develop road-relevant electric technologies. The choice of Jaguar to come back to motor racing with Formula E is a proof of success. As it forges a path forward for the future of the electric car, Formula E managed to attract one of the most prestigious and historical brand across the automotive industry. I wish them success ahead of their arrival in 2016/2017”.
More details on Jaguar’s return to racing including team presentation, drivers and partners will be released in the run up to season three.
