As we approach the first round of public testing Mahindra have released details of their new driver young Swede Felix Rosenqvist who will replace Bruno Senna’s seat next to Heidfeld.
Let’s have a look at Rosenqvist’s credentials:
Born: 7 November 1991, Värnamo, Sweden
2016 FIA Formula E (Mahindra Racing), Indy Lights, Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, DTM (test and reserve driver)
2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship: Champion
2014-2015 Macau Grand Prix: two-time winner
2011-2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship
2010 ATS Formula 3 Cup
2009 Formula Renault 2.0 Sweden / NEZ: Champion
2008 Formula Asia 2.0: Champion
2007 Asian Formula Renault: Rookie of the Year
Rosenqvist, 24, joins Mahindra Racing on the back of an impressive growth curve in motorsport which saw him win the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship. More recently, in July, he came second overall in the Spa 24 Hours.
Felix Rosenqvist said, “I’m thrilled to join Mahindra Racing at this exciting time. Racing in Formula E will be something genuinely brand new to me. It’s a step into the unknown, but I’ve had a very warm welcome by Mahindra Racing and I have a strong and experienced team-mate in Nick. I’ve tested the car already and I look forward to intensifying our preparations during the two pre-season tests at Donington. I love new challenges and this is going to be a massive one, for sure. I’m fully aware that it will take some time to learn the trade of electric racing, as the technology in Formula E is so different to what I’m accustomed. You need to be fast, as always, but you also have to be clever and energy-efficient. I also find the calendar highly exciting. We’ll be racing on street tracks in some incredible locations, and I can’t wait for Hong Kong.”
German driver Heidfeld continues with Mahindra Racing for season three after delivering the team’s first ever podium finish at the Beijing ePrix in 2015. He has been instrumental in the development of the M3Electro and completed over half of the distance covered in testing.
Nick Heidfeld said, “I am excited to continue with Mahindra Racing into season three of Formula E and welcome my new team-mate, Felix. We had very productive private testing sessions with the M3Electro last month and are prepared for the challenges ahead. The new car is a significant evolution for Mahindra Racing, one which I am very passionate about and I’m confident that we can be competitive. Personally, I am also really looking forward to some of the new Formula E circuit venues coming up!”
Dilbagh Gill, Team Principal, Mahindra Racing Formula E Team said, “We are thrilled to welcome Felix to the Mahindra Racing family, and of course to welcome Nick back for another season. As a Formula 3 champion and accomplished driver across a number of race series, Felix has proven his skill on many levels and, crucially, tight street circuits such as Macau. In season three of the Formula E championship, we want to maintain the momentum built in season two. Our first podiums are behind us and our aim is now set much higher. The new M3Electro has undergone extensive testing at the hands of both Nick and Felix in Spain, and we look forward to continuing our car preparations at Donington this week. The M3Electro is an important milestone in our evolution-revolution cycle and reflects our greater ambitions in Formula E. I would like to personally thank Bruno Senna for his contribution to Mahindra Racing during our first two years in Formula E. Bruno has been a highly-valued member of our team in developing the car and it is only with his help that we have been able to lay solid foundations for the future.”
Mahindra Racing is also proud to welcome a brand new partner, technical-athletic apparel company, Erreà Sport S.p.a.
Dilbagh Gill, Team Principal, Mahindra Racing Formula E Team said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Erreà as our official team kit supplier. Italy is a country that is very passionate about motorsport and Erreà shares our commitment to technology development, improvement and sustainability.”
Roberto Gandolfi, Vice Chairman, Erreà Sport S.p.a. said, “It is a pleasure for Erreà to partner with Mahindra Racing in the exciting Formula E Championship. We were attracted to Formula E because the series’ core values and ethos are perfectly aligned with ours and we believe that the partnership with Mahindra in Formula E will enable us to communicate our positioning with regard to technology, fabrics, sustainability and an ongoing commitment to research and development.”
The team has established itself as a leader in fan engagement and its latest initiative was a livery competition called #DrivenByDesign. The winner’s design will become the new livery for the team’s M3Electro and will be revealed later today prior to the first official pre-season test at Donington Park, UK, where Rosenqvist and Heidfeld will share driving duties in the team’s four cars.
Question is will we see young Bruno Senna back in a Formula E car?
