Mercedes Formula E team completes "successful" first test

The Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E team has successfully completed its first official test outing at Varano, ahead of its championship debut in the 2019-20 season. 

HWA drivers Stoffel Vandoorne got behind the wheel of the Silver Arrow 01 for a two-day test outing at the Italian circuit, following an initial shakedown run at the same venue earlier this year. 

Both drivers accumulated 218 laps across the two days, with Mercedes saying the test provided "valuable insights into the new power unit" ahead of its entry into the all-electric series' sixth campaign, which begins on November 22 in Saudi Arabia.  

"It was great to get back behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz-powered car," said Paffett.

"It's obviously different from any Mercedes I have driven before, but it has been a fantastic test. I think that the professionalism and the skill of the engineering within the team is exceptional.

"There is no doubt there is a lot of work to do, but the test has been really positive. We've got some really good mileage under our belts, and the car has been very reliable. It's been a good couple of days and I can't wait to get back in the cockpit." 

"We've had two positive days of testing at Varano," added Vandoorne. "It's been good to track the evolution of our powertrain since the shakedown I drove in some time ago.

"This is all part of our long journey. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, and everyone is aware of that. But I would say that the first impressions are very good. The basics are right and everything seems to be working well. That's what matters at this point. It has been a positive start." 

Mercedes-Benz Formula E managing director Ian James said: "At Varano, we completed our second set of tests in preparation for season six.

"All in all, it has been two very positive days of testing, during which we were able to put the new power unit in the car through its paces. But we also saw that there is still a lot to do so that we arrive well prepared for the first race in November."