Joel Eriksson will take part in the forthcoming official FIA Formula E Championship rookie test in Marrakesh, Morocco, driving for the race-winning DS Virgin Racing team.
FIA Formula 3 European Championship runner-up Eriksson, who will make his DTM debut with BMW in 2018, is set to familiarise himself with the all-electric Formula E series at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan at the January 14 test.
Eriksson will drive DS Virgin Racing’s DSV-03 single-seater, which won last month’s season-opening Hong Kong ePrix in the hands of current championship leader Sam Bird (GBR). The team’s second regular driver is Alex Lynn (GBR).
“Formula E has a wealth of very talented drivers so it’s great to be experiencing this first hand and getting my first taste of electric racing,” says Joel Eriksson. “DS Virgin Racing are a proven race-winning team so I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel.”
The test takes place the day after the up-coming Marrakesh ePrix, round two of the 2017-18 Formula E season. Eriksson will attend the race as a guest of DS Virgin Racing, spending the day with the team in preparation for his own outing.
“We’re delighted to have Joel testing for us in the Formula E rookie test,” says DS Virgin Racing team principal Alex Tai. “We are passionate about nurturing new talent and Joel is one of the most up and coming drivers on the scene right now. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in our race-winning machinery.”
19-year-old Eriksson recently got his first virtual taste of the Formula E car after visiting the DS simulator in Paris (FRA).
“When Joel came in for his simulator session at DS Performance’s HQ, we were impressed with his work rate and how quickly he got up to speed,” comments DS Performance Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon. “I am looking forward to seeing him in action on Marrakesh’s circuit to confirm his potential in the Formula E series.”
The innovative FIA Formula E Championship is now into its fourth season, with races taking place predominantly on street circuits in the heart of some of the world’s greatest cities.
The Marrakesh rookie test will give the ten teams currently competing in the championship an opportunity to evaluate potential future drivers. DS Virgin Racing will announce a second driver for the test at a later stage.
Further information
www.fiaformulae.com
