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“Jag to launch onemake electric series”
Jaguar will launch a one-make Formula E support series in 2018 for its I-PACE that will be the world’s first championship for a production-based electric car.
The Jaguar I-PACE ETROPHY will join the FE package for the 2018/19 season, when it will become FE’S first dedicated support category.
While details of the technical specification, calendar and price will not be confirmed until next year, Jaguar’s announcement that it will be a 10-round series suggests it will feature at the majority, if not all, FE events.
It will be capped at 20 drivers, including a “VIP” entry at each round, while the format will comprise a practice and qualifying session and a 30-minute race.
Jaguar has also revealed it is planning an arrive-and-drive package that will include entry, technical and logistical support, spares, hospitality and more.
The series will coincide with the launch of the I-PACE, Jaguar Land Rover’s first all-electric vehicle in the second half of 2018.
JLR’S special vehicle operations department will build the racing versions of the all-wheel-drive five-seater sports car.
Jaguar joined FE for the 2016/17 season and finished last of the 10 teams, but had privately written it off as a learning campaign and is expected to make a significant step forward in the coming 2017/18 season.
A Jaguar statement said the I-PACE series “reinforces Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to electrification”, and comes a week after its announcement that all new JLR model lines will contain either hybrid or battery technology.
Gerd Mauser, JLR chief marketing officer and the chairman of Jaguar FE team, said: “Jaguar returned to racing in 2016 with the mission ‘Race to Innovate’.
“With the launch of the Jaguar I-PACE ETROPHY we have strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport and Formula E.
“As a British team, we are proud to announce the launch of the world’s first production battery electric vehicle championship.
“We’ve always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track – this is the proof.
“I am looking forward to seeing a full grid of Jaguar I-PACE racecars in late 2018, soon after the first Jaguar I-PACE hits the road in Europe.
“Ultimately this innovative series will enhance the technology in our future electric vehicles and benefit our customers.”
Mauser made a point of stressing the significance that Jaguar “joined as the first premium manufacturer last year”, with rival marques not joining officially until 2017/18 (Audi) and 2018/19 (BMW, Mercedes and Porsche) respectively.
He added: “The Jaguar I-PACE ETROPHY will improve the spectacle for the fans and gives young drivers a ladder into Formula E.
“We expect our series to be a sell-out and an exciting international sporting event.”
FE and the FIA have been exploring the possibility of a support series for some time.
The inaugural season featured races from the ‘Formula E School Series’, a Greenpower Education Trust-backed category featuring small student-built electric cars.
In Hong Kong last season there was a one-off event for electric Volkswagen Golfs, the first time FE was supported by production cars.
FIA president Jean Todt highlighted the significance of adding a legitimate support category to FE, and series founder Alejandro Agag said he was “delighted” it had come with a premium brand.
“Jaguar has been a welcome addition to Formula E and a fantastic advocate for electric street racing,” said Agag.
“The Jaguar I-PACE ETROPHY will bring more entertainment for fans in-between sessions and will be a further testament to the advances in battery technology and exciting electric performance.”