Tinckell, Imperatori get NIO nod for Formula E rookie test

NIO has confirmed its line-up for next Sunday's Formula E rookie test in Marrakesh, drafting in sports car racers Harry Tincknell and Alexandre Imperatori for the single day of running.

All 10 Formula E teams are committed to entering two cars and drivers to the test day at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay el Hassan, taking place less than 24 hours after the Marrakesh E-Prix.

Regular NIO drivers Oliver Turvey and Luca Filippi will hand the reins of their NIO 003 cars over to Tincknell and Imperatori for the day, both of whom have prior links to the Chinese EV manufacturer.

Tincknell tested NIO's season four Formula E car in Spain earlier this year, while Imperatori acts as a track driver for its hypercar, the NIO EP9.

Tincknell has been pushing for a Formula E seat for some time, having also tested for Jaguar back in 2016, with this test marking his latest opportunity to impress.

"I’m really delighted to be driving at the Marrakesh rookie test with NIO Formula E Team and thank them for the opportunity," Tincknell said.

"I am looking forward to helping the team at the test and gaining more experience with the Formula E car. We’re doing a lot of preparation before the event and I’ll also be able to learn from Oliver and Luca during the race to maximise the weekend.”

"I'm truly excited to be joining the NIO Formula E Team for the Marrakesh rookie test. Formula E is where every driver wants to be right now so I'm very thankful to the team for this opportunity after having worked with NIO on the EP9 project," added Imperatori.

"I am looking forward to discovering the Formula E car and, while I'm sure it will be a steep learning curve, I will be doing my best to adapt quickly and provide the team with solid and valuable feedback throughout the test."