Bethonie WaringPorsche have begun testing their new powertrain for the 2020-21 Formula E season as Pascal Wehrlein and Andre Lotterer ran in a two-day test in Germany.
The test was Wehrlein’s first time behind the wheel of Porsche’s 99X Electric, which it ran throughout its rookie season in the championship, as he makes the switch from Mahindra Racing for Season 7.
The squad tested the new powertrain they intend to run for the upcoming season, and made “valuable findings” over the intensive two day test.
“It was a very successful first test – so soon after the end of our first Formula E season,” said Porsche head of operations Formula E, Amiel Lindesay.
“We tested the powertrain for the coming year and made some valuable findings. Everything we have to sort for Season 7 is moving in the right direction. This is confirmed by both the data we have gathered and the feedback from the drivers. Details in areas of hardware and software will make all the difference.
“We are on track, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.
“It was obviously also a nice moment to see Pascal Wehrlein sitting behind the wheel of the Porsche 99X Electric for the first time. He is coming in from a different team and brings his experience with him. His feedback was very positive and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Wehrlein and Lotterer covered 688km over the two days. As well as being Wehrlein’s first time in the Porsche, it was his first time racing since February’s Marrakesh E-Prix, as he missed the Berlin season finale.
“The team has given me a warm welcome; I felt right at home from the word go,” he said.
“It was nice to be back in a Formula E car after almost six months away. It is a fantastic feeling to experience the acceleration and forces. There was obviously a lot for me to learn in a new team and with the new car. Generally speaking, I hve a very good feeling in the Porsche 99X Electric I must now continue to get used to everything.”
Lotterer, who scored two podiums for Porsche in the 2019-20 season, added: “The break after the races in Berlin was a short one. It was an extremely productive test and, at the same time, it was interesting to see what experience Pascal has brought with him from his time in Formula E. The cooperation with him has been good and the development for Season 7 gives me great optimism.”
Image courtesy of Porsche Motorsport
