Porsche signs Wehrlein for 2020-21 Formula E season

Porsche has signed ex-Formula 1 driver Pascal Wehrlein to replace Neel Jani in its line-up for the 2020-21 FIA Formula E season.

The expected move was confirmed by the German manufacturer following the 2019-20 season finale in Berlin, which Wehrlein was absent from after parting ways from Mahindra earlier in the campaign.

Wehrlein joined Formula E for the 2018-19 season with Mahindra following a spell in F1 with Manor and Sauber and finished 12th in the championship, having taken a pole position and podium in his rookie season.

The German driver remained with Mahindra for a second season but stepped down from his seat prior to the final six races of the season in Berlin.

Following his departure from Mahindra, Wehrlein was tipped to join Porsche as Andre Lotterer’s teammate for the outfit’s second season in Formula E and the news was made official on Friday.

"It is a great honour for me to represent Porsche in the 2020/2021 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship," Wehrlein said.

"I have always followed the brand's unique motorsport history. I have huge respect for the legendary Porsche success story.

"Now, to line up as a works driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is a fantastic opportunity. I would like to thank everyone at Porsche for this amazing opportunity and for trusting in my skills.

"Now I am looking forward to getting to know the team and starting work in Weissach as quickly as possible.”

Wehrlein joins Porsche after it finished its first season in Formula E eighth in the standings, managing a pair of second-places thanks to Lotterer.

"We are delighted to welcome Pascal to the Porsche family," Fritz Enzinger, head of Porsche motorsport said.

"He has gained a lot of experience in different race series at his young age, where he has always sparkled.

"We would also like to thank Neel Jani for his outstanding commitment. He played a significant part in the development of our Formula E project and thereby contributed greatly to the successes of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team this past season.

"Neel will stay with Porsche. We will see him in action in future motorsport projects again very soon which I'm very pleased about.

"With Pascal and André we will have two experienced, top-class Formula E drivers in the 2020/2021 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, who have everything it takes to celebrate further success."