Rob LomasPascal Wehrlein has been confirmed as Jerome d’Ambrosio’s teammate at Mahindra Racing ahead of the first day of pre-season testing.
The former F1 driver from Germany made 39 starts for Manor and Sauber over two seasons and is formerly the youngest race winner and champion in DTM history.
D’Ambrosio himself is no stranger to Formula E having taken part in every race so far for Dragon Racing and has a pair of wins to his name; the first one coming in Berlin in Season 1 and the other in Season 2 at Mexico City with both coming after Lucas di Grassi was disqualified for technical infringements.
The changes to the driver line-up also means Nick Heidfeld will stay with the team as a special advisor which will see him travel to the races as the team’s test and reserve driver.
Wehrlein was enthusiastic about his move into Formula E saying: “I’m very happy to be joining Mahindra Racing.
“I had the first meeting with Dilbagh Gill in the summer and met the team for the first time at a test event.
“It’s a small team but with really high ambitions and I have the same high ambitions.
“I want to achieve the best possible results and I have a feeling the team is the right environment for me.
“I am looking forward to the season and I will give my best.”
D’Ambrosio is also looking forward to joining the team and said: “I’m super excited to join Mahindra Racing.
“I think we have a great team – I’ve known Dilbagh for the last four years and what the team has achieved in that time is amazing.
“It has shown great progression and I want to make sure that continues.”
Team boss Dilbagh Gill was bullish about his team’s chances ahead of the upcoming season saying: “I am truly thrilled to announce what I believe is one of the most exciting and dynamic driver line-ups on the grid, packed full of talent.
“Last season, we had a very strong start and were in championship contention.
“To attract drivers of this calibre shows Mahindra Racing’s future potential and intention and I cannot wait to get out on track in Saudi Arabia to begin our 2018/19 campaign.”
Heidfeld was relishing his new role with the team and said: “I’m excited to become a special advisor to Mahindra Racing and I will attend Formula E races as reserve and test driver.
“I am not ending my race driving career but I am happy that this new role offers me a diverse future, which fits together perfectly with my position as vehicle development consultant and ambassador for Automobili Pininfarina.”
Image courtesy Spacesuit Media
Bethonie Waring
