Mercedes unveils FE car; announces de Vries, Vandoorne

Mercedes has unveiled its new Formula E car ahead of its championship debut this November, signing Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries into its race seats.

After announcing back in July 2017 it would be entering Formula E from its sixth season, Mercedes took the first step into Formula E via its customer team, HWA Racelab, which debuted last year before evolving into the full factory outfit for the 2019-20 season.

The new Mercedes Benz EQ Formula E team was officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Wednesday, with Vandoorne, de Vries and Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff on hand to unveil the new car - named the Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01 - that retains the silver, black and electric blue colour scheme used by its Formula 1 operation.

Ex-McLaren Formula 1 driver Vandoorne made his Formula E debut with HWA in 2018, scoring one pole position and one podium finish through his debut campaign.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Mercedes," said Vandoorne. "I've already gained experience of the series racing for HWA last year. I am very pleased to have now become an official member of the Mercedes family.

"The arrival of Mercedes on the scene is a great opportunity for all of us. The car looks fantastic. I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve as a team. The potential is huge, and I simply can't wait to get started."

The Belgian will be joined by current Formula 2 points leader de Vries, who linked up with Mercedes earlier this year in a simulator role after splitting with McLaren.

"I think that Formula E has established itself over the last five years as one of the biggest profesional racing categories alongside Formula 1. To be part of Mercedes-Benz in that kind of championship didn't make it difficult," de Vries said.

"Every driver shares the same kind of dream and passion to make it to F1, but I think this opportunity is the right decision in my career, and I'm very grateful for this opportunity. I can't wait to get started."

The new Formula E season begins on November 22 with the Ad Diriyah E-Prix in Saudi Arabia.