Mahindra Racing today announced that Karun Chandhok and Bruno Senna will race for the team in the first season of the FIA Formula E Championship.
Formula E is the FIA’s new fully-electric single-seater championship designed to promote development in electric vehicles technologies and also sustainability. The series will race on temporary city-centre race tracks in electric cars capable of speeds in excess of 150mph (225kph).
Mahindra Racing Team Principal Dilbagh Gill said: “Karun and Bruno both represent the perfect balance between experience and youthful enthusiasm for this truly ground breaking championship. I am confident they will do their best to represent Mahindra on the world stage and the entire team is aiming for top results from the start of the championship.”
Chandhok said: “To be a part of the only Indian team in this series is a real honour for me. It’s also going to be a nice reunion for me with Bruno again. He’s one of my closest friends from the racing world; we respect each other and work well together which will be good for the development of the team. The city races are going to be a great spectacle and the quality of teams and drivers should ensure some fantastic racing.”
Senna added: “There will be a lot to learn very quickly, both for the teams and drivers in terms of technology and driving styles and for race fans as Formula E will popularise a new type of motorsport across the world. Of course, I already have a great relationship with Karun which will help us work together and move the team forward very quickly.”
Confirmation of Bruno and Karun at Mahindra Racing means six of the 20 race seats in Formula E have been taken up. The other confirmed drivers are Lucas di Grassi & Daniel Abt for Audi Sport ABT and Jaime Alguersuari & Sam Bird for Virgin Racing.