Mahindra Racing are confident they can fight at the front of the pack during the 2018-19 season.
The team are buoyant about the pace of the M5Electro after testing, and team boss Dilbagh Gill said that the team had high expectations going into the new season.
This is despite a poor end to 2017-18, when despite starting off with two wins the team then went nine races without a podium.
Speaking ahead of the Ad Diriyah ePrix Gill said, “It’s been five months since the season four finale, so there’s a lot of excitement within the Mahindra Racing family as we get ready to watch the new M5Electro make its race debut at the Ad Diriyah ePrix.
“The opening race is the first time the new Gen2 Formula E cars will go head-to-head in the new race format. We’re feeling positive and motivated and have high expectations for the race ahead with two experienced Formula E race winning drivers.
“The team is all working towards one common goal and that’s to finish in the best possible position at every race.”
His confidence was matched by new driver Jerome d’Ambrosio.
This will be the Belgian’s first season for Mahindra, but having won ePrix before for his previous team, d’Ambrosio was bullish about his ambition to fight at the front of the grid.
“We have a good car with the potential to fight at the front and that should be the goal – nothing less,” he said.
“We have to start the season in the best possible way and take every opportunity that comes our way. I believe we’re approaching Riyadh in a good position.”
D’Ambrosio will be joined at the first race by Felix Rosenvist, who returns to the team for one race before Pascal Wehrlein takes over the drive.