Trulli confirms Drayson entry takeover
Jarno Trulli has confirmed speculation that he is to form and manage a new team in the FIA Formula E Championship, by announcing that TrulliGP will take over the entry previously entrusted to Drayson Racing.
The 39-year old Italian has been granted FIA approval to assume responsibility for the tenth team entry for the inaugural Formula E Championship, following Drayson's withdrawal.
"I am pleased that the FIA selected TrulliGP to be part of the FIA Formula E Championship," former Monaco Grand Prix winner Trulli admitted, "Having gained fantastic experience as a driver in F1, my involvement in the FIA Formula E Championship will certainly be a new challenge, not only as a driver but also as a team owner. I am very pleased to be a pioneer of this new Formula E project."
Trulli becomes the eighth driver to sign up for Formula E, joining alongside Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi at Audi Sport Abt, Sam Bird and Jaime Alguersuari at Virgin Racing, Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok at Mahindra Racing and Franck Montagny at Andretti Autosport.
Drayson, meanwhile, will remain involved with the series, with Drayson Technologies entering into a supply and sponsorship arrangement with TrulliGP to become the squad's principal technology partner. As part of the deal, TrulliGP will begin work on Drayson's wireless charging technology, which offers the potential to free electric vehicles from the constraints of cable-based charging.
"I am delighted to be working with such a world-class team of motorsport professionals, led by Jarno," CEO Lord Drayson said, "I am sure that the combination of the Trulli team's motorsport knowhow and the Drayson EV technology expertise will be a winning one from the start. Our ambition is to supply all the teams with wireless charging and we are delighted that TrulliGP is the first team to adopt this exciting technology."
Trulli's announcement comes as the second delivery of the championship's bespoke cars is handed over to teams at Donington Park, and CEO Alejandro Agag added his excitement at the latest development.
"We're delighted to welcome Jarno to the FIA Formula E Championship as both a team manager and a driver," he said, "Drayson very much remains a part of the Formula E family, focusing on developing their wireless charging technology which they couldn't have done running as a team. This ground-breaking technology has the potential to benefit not just the TrulliGP team but the entire championship and, of course, the future of electric road cars."
