Jaguar has signed Adam Carroll and Mitch Evans as the drivers for its maiden Formula E campaign.
They will be joined in the British manufacturer’s line-up for the 2016/17 season of the electric single-seater series by reserve and development driver Ho-Pin Tung.
Carroll’s role was expected after conducting the majority of Jaguar’s private testing with the I-Type 1, and the 2009/10 A1 Grand Prix champion will now finally make his FE debut after flirting with the series in the past with Mahindra and Team Aguri.
The 33-year-old Northern Irishman described driving for Jaguar as “a dream come true”, and called it “one of the most evocative names in racing”.
“It’s a real privilege to be racing for Jaguar in Formula E,” he added.
“You only have to look at the calibre of the other drivers in the series to see the level of competitiveness and prestige that this championship now has.”
Fellow rookie Evans, currently competing in the GP2 Series, sampled an FE car for the first time when he shared the second I-Type 1 at the first Donington Park test with Alex Lynn and Harry Tincknell.
The New Zealander, whose manager Mark Webber raced for Jaguar in Formula 1, was then called up to complete Jaguar’s FE testing programme at Donington this week.
“Some of history’s most iconic cars have been developed by Jaguar, and I’m thrilled to be part of Jaguar’s electric future and our return to motorsport,” said the 22-year-old.
“Formula E is a real drivers’ championship with some of the most competitive racing in the world.
“Any of the drivers will tell you how challenging it is to find the limit in a Formula E car and gain those extra tenths and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
The line-up was confirmed at the official launch of the team at Jaguar’s heritage facility, where it also announced a tie-up with Japanese electronic giant Panasonic.
Jaguar Land Rover chief marketing officer Gerd Mauser has been named chairman of the Jaguar team, which comprises personnel from JLR and Williams Advanced Engineering.
“Today marks a new chapter in the history of Jaguar Racing,” he said.
“As the first premium car manufacturer in Formula E we are proud to be back in top-level motorsport.
“The future is changing and we’re part of that change.”
Jaguar will make its FE debut in the opening round of the 2016/17 season in Hong Kong on October 9.
