There’s no break for Jean-Éric Vergne who, fresh from the news of leaving Formula 1 team Scuderia Toro Rosso, will link up with the Andretti Autosport Formula E team for the third round of the championship at Uruguay’s Punta del Este ePrix.
The 24-year-old has three seasons of Formula 1 experience and has participated in seven championships throughout his career, recording 40 victories and 68 podiums.
The 2010 British Formula 3 Champion will join fellow countryman Franck Montagny to complete the Andretti Formula E two-car line-up for the American team led by Michael Andretti.
Lining up alongside Montangy, the all French duo will look to build on Andretti’s fourth in the standings. With a 2014 Formula 1 driver behind the wheel of the #28 Andretti Renault-Spark, Andretti certainly have the opportunity to do so. Looking at the bigger picture it’s a huge boost for Formula E, according to Michael Andretti.
“We’re really happy to put JEV (Jean-Éric Vergne) in the car for Punta del Este,” said team boss Andretti. “He has great talent and we think he’ll pair well with our team for competitive results. I also think having interest and participation from respected F1 drivers shows great strength and the true potential for Formula E as a series and World Championship.”
For Vergne, the Formula E chance is one that had to be taken, throwing up plenty of new variables for the ex-F1 racer.
“It’s not often that you get to race at this time of the year,” said Vergne. “I am really looking forward to this opportunity, especially given its location in a place like Punta del Este. Although I have no experience in this new series, I am excited about the prospect of racing in Formula E, and racing for such a prestigious team as Andretti. As always, the main objective of the weekend is to stay out front and finish the year on a high note. The weekend will be a little like a journey into the unknown, but it is a journey that I am thoroughly looking forward to!”
