Jaguar has unveiled their first Formula E challenger, the I-Type 1.
The team also announced a tie-up with Japanese electronics giant Panasonic, which will see the team’s official name become Panasonic Jaguar Racing.
As expected, British driver Adam Carroll and New Zealander Mitch Evans will drive for the team, and Ho-Pin Tung has been named as the reserve driver.
Speaking at the launch, Team Director James Barclay 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.”
“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.”
The launch marks a re-entry into motorsport for the British marque, and their Executive Director of Product Engineering Nick Rodgers explained why they chose Formula E as their route back in.
“The championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions,” Rodgers said.
“We will apply this vital knowledge as part of our real world development. At Jaguar Land Rover we employ 9,000 engineers and the team will draw on these engineers to extract data and push the boundaries of electric technology in a race environment.”
The announcement of Carroll ends a series of near misses when it comes to drives in Formula E. The Northern Irishman narrowly missed out on drives with Mahindra Racing and DS Virgin Racing, but will now have his first full time seat.
“It’s a real privilege to be racing for Jaguar in Formula E,” Carroll said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Mitch Evans makes the switch to Formula E after competing in this season’s GP2 championship. Having won the GP3 championship in 2012, Evans has found the step up harder, but fought off competition from Alex Lynn and Harry Tincknell for the second Jaguar seat.
Evans said, “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.”
