As the 2019-20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship draws ever closer, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team took part in a series of tests at Mallorca last week in preparation for their debut in the all-electric racing series at the 2019 Ad Diriyah ePrix on 22-23 November.
It was another productive outing in which the Silver Arrows got further understanding of their new car before homologation of their drivetrain comes into force in time for the first race of the season.
Testing the brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01 was Stoffel Vandoorne, Edoardo Mortara and Esteban Gutierrez with Mercedes Formula E outfit set to confirm their driver line-up in due course.
The experienced Belgian Vandoorne who scored a podium finish for the HWA RaceLab squad at the 2019 Rome ePrix has helped to develop the first Mercedes-Benz Formula E challenger and was encouraged by the progress made, saying: “It was very good. We made solid progress, and everything went smoothly. After the first functional tests, it’s been fascinating to gradually start working on all the different areas. But the time just seems to fly by, and there is still a lot of work to do.”
As for Mortara and Gutierrez, they have had relatively little running in the car with this test being the first time the Mexican has taken to the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow 01. It is likely that the second seat will be decided between Mortara and Gutierrez with HWA RaceLab driver from last season, Gary Paffett not testing their 2019-20 challenger in Mallorca.
But crucially for Mercedes, it was another successful test, building on the progress they made during testing at Varano a couple of months ago.
Ian James, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Formula E Ltd said after the latest test, “I am very satisfied with our progress so far and in the recent tests. The team is increasingly coming together as a unit, the processes are being perfected, and the drivers are giving good feedback, which is a great help to us in the further development of the car.
He continued, “There are still a lot of challenges ahead of us before our new Silver Arrow contests its first race weekend at Ad Diriyah, but that’s exactly what we’re looking forward to.”
