Formula E

Amlin Aguri finalise driver line-up

2 Mins read

Amlin Aguri have confirmed their driver line-up for the inaugural race of the 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. 

“I’m very much looking forward to making history with Amlin Aguri as we compete in the first ever Formula E race,” said Sato. “I’m excited to join the team especially reconnecting with good old friends from Super Aguri F1 team days and going racing together again.” 

Looking ahead to his first appearance in the series, Sato like many other drivers is curious about the electric racing.

“I’ll be pushing hard to make sure we’re doing our absolute best in Beijing,” said the Japanese driver. “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.”

Fabio Leimer, 25, joins the team as reserve driver for the Beijing race having tested with Amlin Aguri over the summer. The reigning GP2 champion currently drives for Rebellion Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

“I’m proud to play a role with Amlin Aguri during the first Formula E race in China,” said Leimer. “The team has been working hard to be ready for this moment and we have a great opportunity in Beijing to make a name for ourselves on the world stage.”

The lineup is one of quality according to the top brass, with Aguri Suzuki, Executive Chairman of Amlin Aguri praising Sato.

“Takuma [Sato] is a proven driver and his presence will provide unity and experience for the team,” said Suzuki. “He has great knowledge of how to race on street circuits which will also be an important attribute for us.”

Team Principal Mark Preston, was quick to talk the strengths of Leimer too.

“Fabio knows what it takes to succeed in a one-make championship and when he gets his opportunity we know he can perform.”

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A second year sports journalist at the University of Huddersfield, Tom Errington has spent over a year in the motorsport industry. He spent the 2014 season with SRO on British GT and British F3, even helping out with Blancpain in the Spa 24 Hours, before later becoming a freelancer with the Lotus F1 Team helping with PR and website content.
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