Jean-Eric Vergne has announced that he no longer holds the position of reserve driver at Scuderia Ferrari.
The former Torro Rosso driver will instead be further committing himself to Formula E, both as driver and through a managerial remit at the Techeetah team. It is believed that Vergne holds a stake in the outfit, and the Frenchman has been a key player in its success since acquiring Team Aguri’s grid place.
“It was clear from the beginning [of the Ferrari role] that I would not continue as reserve anymore this season,” he said.
“I still have a lot of contact with Ferrari and good relationships there, but I’m not going to grands prix and filling the role I had.”
The owners of the Techeetah team is Chinese Media Capital (CMC) who have recently invested in Formula E Holdings, a move Vergne believes will cement the Chinese party as a major force within the formula.
“Since we started working on this project it has always been the plan to make [the stakeholding] happen,” he said.
“They are a big company and they have seen a very good opportunity to be in something which will grow and make a big splash.”
Vergne also restated his interest in making his debut in the Le Mans 24 Hours this summer, and is torn between the LMP2 and GTE Pro classes.
“We are still working on it and it is really at front of my mind more now,” he said. “I want to do Le Mans and some races in the WEC.
“I’ve got a few options but can’t say anything in detail at the moment. It will be really interesting if I can do it this season.”
