Jaguar is returning to global motorsport with confirmation that it is to participate in the FIA Formula E Championship.
In the autumn of 2016, Jaguar will enter the third season of the all-electric drive championship as a manufacturer with its own team, a move that gives the OEM a high-profile opportunity to further the development of EV powertrains.
Nick Rogers, group engineering director for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “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. The future is about being more connected and more sustainable; electrification and lightweight technologies are becoming more important than ever as urbanisation continues to increase. Formula E has recognised and reacted to these trends and the championship’s exciting and pioneering approach is the perfect fit for our brand.”
Williams Advanced Engineering will act as Technical Partner to the Jaguar Formula E Team, bringing with it its motorsport knowledge and experience of high performance EV Systems.
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.”
