Panasonic Jaguar Racing welcomes back test drivers Pietro Fittipaldi and British driver, Harry Tincknell who will both drive the Jaguar I-TYPE 3 in the one-day test on 13 January following the Marrakesh E-Prix.
Brazilian Fittipaldi – the grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi – and British driver Tincknell will be driving the Jaguar I-TYPE 3, a faster all-electric racecar with greater efficiency and range.
Fittipaldi will test for Panasonic Jaguar racing for the second consecutive year, but it will be the first time the Brazilian has tested the new Jaguar I-TYPE 3. The 22 year old has a successful record in the sport including winning the World Series Formula V8 3.5 title in 2017 and is the current Haas F1 test driver.
Tincknell, 27, is no stranger to highly competitive racing, with a varied background across a mixture of driving disciplines, most prominently in the Le Mans 24 hours having won the Le Mans P2 class on his 24-hour race debut, and the 2016 European series. The British driver returns to Panasonic Jaguar Racing after making his testing debut for the team at Donington Park in 2016, but will be putting his experience to the test behind the technologically advanced Jaguar I-TYPE 3.
The fifth season of ABB FIA Formula E began in Saudi Arabia on 15 December, with Panasonic Jaguar Racing clinching a positive double-points finish in the opening race of the season.
The Marrakesh in-season rookie test will take place on 13 January – after the E-Prix which takes place on 12 January – and marks the penultimate in-season test of the 2018/19 campaign.
Pietro Fittipaldi: "I am really happy with the opportunity that Jaguar is giving me to test in Marrakesh. I am excited to drive the Generation 2 Formula E car which will be a big step up with more power and more grip. I am looking forward to seeing how it feels on track. I've heard many good things about the Jaguar I-TYPE 3. I am there to help the team develop the car as much as we can throughout the test day - so I am looking forward to it."
Harry Tincknell: "I am really excited to be joining Panasonic Jaguar Racing at the Marrakesh test. Jaguar gave me my first laps in a Formula E car and I'm very grateful to be testing the new Generation 2 car with them. It is a great opportunity for me and I hope to use my previous Formula E experience to do the best job possible. With in-season testing being limited, I really want to maximise the day for the team and contribute to the development of the Jaguar I-TYPE 3 after its strong double points finish to start season five with Mitch and Nelson."
James Barclay, Team Director, Panasonic Jaguar Racing: "Welcome back to both Pietro and Harry. Pietro did a great job last year for us in Marrakesh so was an obvious choice. Harry is no stranger to the team having driven the Jaguar I-TYPE 1 back in Donington in August 2016. We have a full test programme for both drivers which is crucial in the ongoing development of the Jaguar I-TYPE 3.
Nelson had a strong weekend in Marrakesh last year, securing fastest lap and just missing out on a podium. Both drivers raced well for solid points in Ad Diriyah and we look forward to building on that in Marrakesh and starting 2019 in a positive way."