Over the last couple of days Formula E has burst onto the scene once more with a flurry of announcements these past few days as it embarks on its second season. If you missed any or didn’t quite catch all of them, here’s your round up of the past few days as the Formula E 2015-16 season gets underway with the first pre-season tests starting.
- NO KARUN CHANDHOK
The Indian driver has confirmed he will not be returning to the wheel of his Mahindra racing car. The team have spilt from Carlin, instead joining with Campos as their technical partner with Chandhok leaving amongst a sea of changes after a disappointing first season. It looks as though Bruno Senna will remain with the team while the heads of Mahindra have been testing an array of other drivers. Venturi’s Nick Heidfeld is rumoured to have Chandhok’s seat as well as Gulf Racing GT Driver Adam Carroll after testing positively at Mahindra’s private test.
- AMLIN ANDRETTI
The popular insurance company Amlin have switched allegiances for season two, leaving Team Aguri and partnering with Amercian racing legends Andretti. It looks to be a strong partnership, especially with the Championships social media presence with gimmicks such as FanBoost and Amlin Aguri winning several of these last year. This will help driver Simona de Silvestro get a bit of extra power during races. It remains to be seen who will partner her with Scott Speed in the frame.
- D’AMBROSIO AND DUVAL SET FOR DRAGON
The strong line-up of last year enters its second round. Both drivers scored consecutive podiums towards the end of the season, d’Ambrosio winning a race.
- TRULLI STICKS WITH ITALIAN DUO
After stating he didn’t want to continue driving after the second season, Jarno Trulli remains in the cockpit at his own team. After a poor season with mixed results and several drivers, good friend and competent driver Tonio Liuzzi rejoins the team, this time for a full campaign.
- ALGUESUARI OUT ON HEALTH GROUNDS, VERGNE IN
The popular Spaniard and former F1 driver had a mixed season in Formula E and after fainting after the penultimate round in Moscow, could not take part in the double-header finale around Battersea Park. Fabio Leimer replaced him. Now, with his FIA licence temporarily suspended, Alguesuari stated that there is still no prognosis for why he fainted and therefore he cannot participate in Formula E this year. Soon after DS Virgin Racing confirmed last year Andretti driver Jean-Eric Vergne as his replacement alongside Sam Bird.
- DILLMAN GETS THE CALL UP FROM AGURI
Former GP2 driver and current Formula Renault 3.5 driver Tom Dillman is testing in the first preseason test this week for Team Aguri. He is sampling the machinery for the first time with the team assessing a number of drivers. Last year’s driver and race winner Antonio Felix da Costa looks unlikely to return with too many DTM clashes. Salavdor Duran could be up for a second season after a promising end of the year.
- VILLENEUVE JOINS FORMULA E WITH VENTURI
After testing with the team a few weeks ago, the former F1 World Champion joins his first full time competitive series for 10 years. He joins last year’s driver Stéphane Sarrazin. Heidfeld has left the team.
The first of 6 preseason tests gets underway on the 10th August with free entry for fans, pit lane walks and live commentary at the track from Jack Nicholls.
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