jaguar returns to motorsports with all-electric I-TYPE race car

jaguar takes the wraps off its new electric motorsport future, revealing its formula e team’s official name, vision , driver line-up and electric racing livery. the british-automaker revealed its innovative return to motorsports last december. now 
from this october, panasonic jaguar racing will compete in the third FIA formula e season with the first all-electric jaguar racing car in history: the ‘I-TYPE 1’. 

the brands ‘race to innovate’ philosophy aims to inspire future generations
image © brand union

during the launch event at the jaguar collections centre, the new race car, developed in collaboration with the design consultancy brand union, made a dramatic debut driven by the team’s official reserve driver ho-pin tung and outlining the brands commitment to ‘race to innovate’–a mission to change the perception of electric vehicles, to develop new electric technology and to inspire future generations. in addition, jaguar revealed an exciting race driver line-up with adam carroll and mitch evans confirmed to drive the vehicle in the team’s inaugural season. this driver line up will spearhead its return to top-level racing. it also detailed a partnership with panasonic that will see the leading electronics and automotive technology company partner with the jaguar racing formula e team to develop a future that promises to push the boundaries of electric technology in a performance environment.

I-TYPE takes on a traditional formula one race car form with all-electric technology
image © brand union

 
gerd mäuser, chairman of panasonic jaguar racing said, ‘today marks a new chapter in the history of jaguar racing. 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. we can’t wait to begin racing competitively in inner city locations inspiring a whole new generation of jaguar racing fans to join us on this exciting journey. formula e is the perfect platform to inspire the next generation.’

adam carroll and mitch evans are confirmed to drive the vehicle in the team’s first season
image © brand union

the panasonic jaguar racing team has successfully completed 21 days of testing, up to and including the last formula e public test, which finished at donington park circuit. james barclay, panasonic jaguar racing team director said, ‘today is a proud moment for myself and the entire panasonic jaguar racing team at our official launch. everyone has worked very hard over the last nine months to prepare for our debut in the championship.’

‘we want to be successful on and off the track. we know that the challenge will be strong–our competitors have a two-year head start. we will be keeping our expectations in check in our first season. ultimately we’re here to win but we’re here to innovate too. I would like to thank jean todt and his team at the FIA and alejandro agag and his team at formula e for their vision in building this innovative series and for their help and support over the last 12 months with jaguar’s entry.’