Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Jean-Eric Vergne to race for Andretti in Uruguay



Jean-Eric Vergne will take part in the next Formula E race in Uruguay as he starts to carve a career outside Formula One.

Vergne was ditched by Toro Rosso at the end of this year to make way for rookies Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz in 2015. This weekend he will drive for the Andretti Formula E team at the Punta del Este ePrix and he is already setting his sights high.

"It's not often that you get to race at this time of the year," Vergne said. "I am really looking forward to this opportunity, especially given its location in a place like Punta del Este. Although I have no experience in this new series, I am excited about the prospect of racing in Formula E, and racing for such a prestigious team as Andretti. As always, the main objective of the weekend is to stay out front and finish the year on a high note. The weekend will be a little like a journey into the unknown, but it is a journey that I am thoroughly looking forward to!"

Vergne is one of 11 ex-F1 drivers in the Formula E field this weekend and team boss Michael Andretti believes it shows the high status the series has reached in its inaugural year.

"We're really happy to put JEV in the car for Punta del Este," said Andretti. "He has great talent and we think he'll pair well with our team for competitive results. I also think having interest and participation from respected F1 drivers shows great strength and the true potential for Formula E as a series and world championship."