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Pretoria - Jaguar has unveiled its new electric motorsport future, revealing its Formula E team’s official name, vision, title sponsor, driver line-up and electric racing livery.
From this October, Panasonic Jaguar Racing will compete in the third FIA Formula E season with the first all-electric Jaguar racing car in history: the I-Type 1.
At the launch event at the Jaguar Collections Centre, the new I-Type 1 made a dramatic debut driven by the team’s official reserve driver Ho-Pin Tung and outlining the brands commitment to ‘Race To Innovate’ - a mission to change the perception of electric vehicles, to develop new electric technology and to inspire future generations.
The anticipated return
In addition, Jaguar revealed an exciting race driver line-up with Adam Carroll and Mitch Evans confirmed to drive the I-Type 1 in the team’s inaugural season. This driver line up will spearhead Jaguar’s return to top-level racing.
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.
READ: Formula E: Jaguar to make motorsport return
In addition, Jaguar was pleased to announce Lear Corporation will join the team 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.
Gallery: Jaguar's Formula E race car
"We can’t wait to begin racing competitively in inner 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.”
Jaguar Land Rover employs 9000 engineers and is Britain’s largest research and development investor across any business sector.
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.
READ: Formula E to expand to Africa, India?
Rogers said: “Over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. The 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 9000 engineers and the team will draw on these engineers to extract data and push the boundaries of electric technology in a race environment.”
Successful testing completed
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 on September 8..
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 [the new driver and team members] and all of our new fans into the Jaguar family.
WATCH: This stuntman performs a backflip over a Formula E racer
“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."
Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team Drivers
Adam Carroll, 33-years-old, Northern Ireland
Adam brings speed and experience to Jaguar in 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.
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 has competed in the GP2 Series for Campos Racing.
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.
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 this future of electric mobility and to Jaguar’s significant racing legacy.”