Jaguar could use test to aid driver decision

Jaguar Racing could use the official Formula E pre-season tests at Donington Park to evaluate its 2016/17 driver line-up.

The British manufacturer will return to motorsport after a 12-year absence when it makes its FE debut in Hong Kong this October.

Speculation linked Jaguar to a driver announcement at last weekend’s Battersea Park 2015/16 finale, but the marque insists it is not rushing a decision.

It is understood the driver line-up may not be officially confirmed until a team launch after the Donington tests in August and September.

Team director James Barclay told MN: “Based on the team we put together, and the talent we have, we are being thorough in our preparation. Part of that will be the right drivers.”

Barclay also stressed that Jaguar would not be influenced by nationality, despite reports claiming at least one of the drivers will be British.

Toyota World Endurance Championship driver Anthony Davidson and GP2 race winner Alex Lynn are among those to have been linked to the seat, along with inaugural FE drivers’ champion Nelson Piquet Jr.

Jaguar is two-thirds of the way through its testing programme with its inaugural FE powertrain, having completed 10 of its allotted 15 manufacturer days with the I-type 1.

It has racked up 1200km [450 miles] of mileage, and 130 hours of development work away from the track, and hopes to have completed its programme by the end of July.

FE’S two lots of three-day tests will take place at Donington Park from August 23 -25, and September 5-7.