Hartley joins Dragon for Formula E debut

Former Formula 1 driver Brendon Hartley joins Dragon Racing for the 2019-20 Formula E season.

Hartley is the first driver to be confirmed for Dragon’s season six squad, which finished 10^th in the 2018-19 teams’ championship.

“I’m happy to be taking on a new challenge in Formula E together with GEOX Dragon Racing,” he said. “Formula E is totally different from any other race series I’ve been in but I am hoping my experience in many categories with energy management will pay dividends and give me a head start as a rookie.

“I’ve always been a fan of street tracks and FE has some of the wildest I’ve seen. That, together with some of the best drivers and manufacturers in the world, makes it an exciting place to be.

“I’ve already started working with most of the GEOX Dragon team, and I have a strong feeling that we can share some good success together in the coming season.”

Hartley has competed in the top level of motorsport since 2014, first as a Porsche works driver in the World Endurance Championship, then as part of Toro Rosso’s 2018 Formula 1 line-up.

Dragon hopes the New Zealander’s experience will help the team as it develops the latest Penske Autosport powertrain, as it claims Hartley will “feature prominently in the American manufacturer’s ongoing development work throughout the rest of this summer.”

“I am very pleased to have Brendon pilot one of our two entries in season six of the ABB FIA Formula E championship,” said team boss Jay Penske.

“Brendon is a real racer. He has a unique combination of experience, intellect, and racecraft that will allow him to maximise the potential of the new Penske EV-4 powertrain.

“Most importantly, he shares our hunger and our determination to take the fight to  the incredible field of major manufacturers this season.”

Hartley will come into the championship as a rookie, but he does have some Formula E experience. The 29-year-old has tested with Porsche as it prepares to make its debut in the championship this season.

Porsche has already confirmed former WEC drivers Andre Lotterer and Neel Jani – who made a one-off appearance for Dragon in 2017 – for its 2019-20 line-up.