Ex-Formula One driver Jarno Trulli assumes the team entry of Drayson Racing in a move pending FIA approval after Drayson Racing withdrew from the series.
Trulli will not only be the team principal for the new team, named TrulliGP Formula E Team, but will also join the growing list of drivers in the competition’s first ever season.
The 39-year-old driver has also also appointed Francesco Guarnieri as Chairman and CEO of the Italian’s new team as Trulli will begin to put his mark on his new team.
The shake up, with under 90 days until the first race of the season in Beijing, will also see Drayson remain within Formula E. With Drayson Racing no longer involved, Drayson Technology will enter a partnership of sponsorship and supply.
While remaining within Formula E is a boost for Drayson, it also allows the brand to have the TrulliGP team work on their wireless charging technology, following the recent set up of Drayson’s wireless charging business unit. The team will then begin work on the technology in the second year, when the teams are allowed more freedom in the innovation of their fully electric cars.
“I am delighted to be working with such a world-class team of motorsport professionals, led by Jarno,” said Lord Drayson, CEO of Drayson Technologies. “I am sure that the combination of the Trulli team’s motorsport knowhow and the Drayson EV technology expertise will be a winning one from the start. Our ambition is to supply all the teams with wireless charging and we are delighted that TrulliGP is the first team to adopt this exciting technology.”
With one set of eyes upon the future potential of technology, Trulli is looking ahead to an exciting future in Formula E.
“I am pleased that the FIA selected TrulliGP to be part of the FIA Formula E Championship,” said the Italian. “Having gained fantastic experience as a driver in Formula 1, my involvement in the FIA Formula E Championship will certainly be a new challenge, not only as a driver but also as a team owner. Competing at the highest level of performance with a clean energy car with the support of Drayson Technologies makes this challenge even more exciting. I am very pleased to be a pioneer of this new Formula E project.”
Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E added that the pairing of Drayson and Trulli is a partnership of great potential: “We’re delighted to welcome Jarno to the FIA Formula E Championship as both a team manager and a driver. Drayson very much remains a part of the Formula E family focusing on developing their wireless charging technology which they couldn’t have done running as a team.”
With Drayson’s preparations for Formula E virtually eradicated with this new team, Trulli will began the steps of having the team ready for the first days of testing, starting in two weeks team. After that, the pioneering series will head to Beijing for the first ever race in Formula E.