Jaguar announces all-electric I-Pace racing series
One-make series will support Formula E races
Jaguar is to create a one-make electric racing series starring the upcoming I-Pace, it has announced.
The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy will be a supporting series for the FIA Formula E championship, which the British-manufacturer entered in 2016.
This means races will take place on street circuits around the world, including Hong Kong, Paris, Sao Paolo and New York.
The manufacturer will offer an ‘Arrive and Drive’ package for up to 20 people at each race — with a VIP driver also being invited.
Places will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and drivers will require an international racing licence.
The race cars will be built by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in Warwickshire.
Gerd Mäuser, chairman of Jaguar Racing, said: “Jaguar returned to racing in 2016 with the mission ‘Race to Innovate’. With the launch of the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, we have strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport and Formula E.
“As a British team, we are proud to announce today the launch of the world’s first production battery electric vehicle championship.
“We’ve always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track – this is the proof.”
James Barclay, team director of Panasonic Jaguar Racing, told the Press Association that the series “is a showcase for how seriously we’re taking electrification, and a great way to learn the technology even more”.
He said: “Electrification has become incredibly competitive, and every brand here is pretty much confirming that as part of its plans for the future. The really nice thing about [the series] is that hopefully it will showcase Jaguar Land Rover as one of the forerunners in electric vehicles.”
