Mahindra Racing have announced former Formula 1 drivers Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok to be their first ever drivers in the Formula E series.
It is a familiar partnership for Senna and Chandhok, as the duo raced together as teammates in GP2 back in 2008. The pairing were then racing for the iSport International Team.
The vastly experienced pair will race for the series only Indian team. The Chairman of Mahindra Racing, S P Shukla, said: “Both Karun and Bruno come with very strong racing pedigrees and have successfully competed in a variety of racing series over the past few years. The entire team looks forward to working with both of them to optimise the performance of our racing car over the next few months of testing before the start of racing in September this year.”
Their team principal, Dilbagh Gill also agrees with the experienced sentiment. “Karun and Bruno both represent the perfect balance between experience and youthful enthusiasm for this truly ground breaking championship.” said the team boss. “I am confident they will do their best to represent Mahindra on the world stage and the entire team is aiming for top results from the start of the championship.”
As the Indian driver representing the Indian team, Chandhok is understandably honoured to drive for the team. “I’m very excited to be a part of the Mahindra Racing line-up.” said the ex-F1 driver. “The team are showing a lot of commitment to Formula E and it’s very encouraging to see the support of senior members of the group to this programme. To be a part of the only Indian team in this series is a real honour for me.”
Chandhok is also happy to be Senna’s teammate once again. “It’s also going to be a nice reunion for me with Bruno again. He’s one of my closest friends from the racing world; we respect each other and work well together which will be good for the development of the team. The city races are going to be a great spectacle and the quality of teams and drivers should ensure some fantastic racing.”
Teammate Senna added: “I’m very proud to be joining Mahindra Racing. There is a real ambition within the team to be leaders in Formula E from the start. It’s also an exciting prospect to be part of such a revolutionary championship from the beginning. There will be a lot to learn very quickly, both for the teams and drivers in terms of technology and driving styles and for race fans as Formula E will popularise a new type of motorsport across the world. Of course, I already have a great relationship with Karun which will help us work together and move the team forward very quickly.”
Chandhok and Senna are the fifth and sixth drivers of the twenty to be announced and these two are certainly the ones with the biggest name as the series edges closer to Beijing.
