Ex-F1 driver Sirotkin to drive for Mahindra in Marrakech FE test

Ex-Williams Formula 1 driver Sergey Sirotkin will drive for Mahindra in the Formula E rookie test at Marrakech later this month.

Sirotkin’s F1 debut in 2018 coincided with a downturn in fortunes for Williams as the team lost competitiveness and slipped to the bottom of the constructors’ championship, before the Russian lost out on a drive to Formula 2 champion George Russell and the returning Robert Kubica.

Mahindra has named the 23-year-old as one of its two drivers for the second in-season test of the 2018/19 campaign, with simulator and development driver Sam Dejonghe also getting behind the wheel of the team’s M5ELECTRO Gen2 car.

“Formula E is now one of the most rapidly developing championships,” said Sirotkin.

“The competition here is at very high level. More manufacturers are entering the series as they are confident that electric cars have strong future potential.

“More technical solutions appear in these cars and they are progressing rapidly.

“I drove a Formula E car in 2016 but now the car generation has changed it will be interesting to try the difference. I’m looking forward for this great experience with Mahindra Racing.”

Sirotkin has also tested DTM machinery since his departure from F1 following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.

Team principal Dilbagh Gill, added: “I am delighted to announce that Sergey and Sam will be testing for us in Marrakesh in the rookie test.

“Sergey has shown from a very young age that he is extremely talented and we are very happy that he is available to contribute to our Season 5 testing programme - I’m sure his involvement is going to prove valuable given his experience.

“I’m also very happy to be able to provide Sam with the opportunity of taking part in an all teams test for the second time.

“He has been working very hard with our engineering team for over a year on our development programme and is a valuable part of our team.”