Jaguar confirms factory Formula E effort
Jaguar has confirmed it will return to motorsport with a bold factory-backed entry into the 2016/17 FIA Formula E Championship as part of a concerted push towards a greener ethos for the company.
The iconic British marque outlined its new strategy going forward with a particular emphasis on EV technology through both its Jaguar and Land Rover brands.
Key to this burgeoning direction will be Jaguar's return to a full factory-backed motorsport effort in the all-electric Formula E series, joining for its third season to become the latest high profile marque to commit to the pioneering series.
Following the decision to open up the technical regulations and allow teams to develop their own electric powertrains, Jaguar feels this is an excellent opportunity for it to promote its forthcoming model portfolio whilst retaining its sporty image.
"I am proud to announce Jaguar's return to racing with an entry into the innovative FIA Formula E championship," said Nick Rogers, Group Engineering director for Jaguar and Land Rover. "Electric vehicles will absolutely play a role in Jaguar Land Rover's future product portfolio and Formula E will give us a unique opportunity to further our development of electrification technologies. The Championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions.
"It is my belief that over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. The future is about being more connected and more sustainable; electrification and lightweight technologies are becoming more important than ever as urbanisation continues to increase. Formula E has recognised and reacted to these trends and the championship's exciting and pioneering approach is the perfect fit for our brand."
A major coup for the still developing Formula E series, Jaguar joins Renault, Citroen DS and Audi in having manufacturer backing in the championship.
"We are delighted to welcome Jaguar into Formula E," said chief executive officer Alejandro Agag. "Jaguar is a brand with a rich sporting heritage and the fact that it is returning to global motorsport with Formula E is a huge endorsement of the championship and its ability to influence the development of electric cars. Jaguar brings with it a passionate fan base that will drive the popularity of the championship across the world and once again shows that Formula E is the future of motorsport."
Jaguar's entry marks its first full factory effort in motorsport since it shortlived F1 programme - under the guidance of then owners Ford -, which only yielded two podiums over five seasons. It was sold to Indian firm TATA in 2008 and has gone on to flourish with significant influx of investment.
