DS Virgin Racing has today announced one of its drivers for the rookie test on January 14, with Joel Eriksson set to take part in the session a day after the 2018 Marrakesh E-Prix.
The British team has chosen the current FIA Formula 3 runner-up to get behind the wheel of the Hong Kong race-winning DSV-03 for the first time.
Eriksson finished second in the FIA Formula 3 Championship last year, securing seven wins and 14 podiums along the way. The Swedish driver was also named along with five Formula E drivers, including both DS Virgin Racing drivers - Sam Bird and Alex Lynn - in AUTOSPORT magazine’s top-50 drivers of 2017.
“Formula E has a wealth of very talented drivers so it’s great to be experiencing this first-hand and getting my first taste of electric racing. DS Virgin Racing are a proven race-winning team so I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel,” said Eriksson.
Alex Tai, Team Principal at DS Virgin Racing, said: “We’re delighted to have Joel testing for us in the Formula E rookie test. DS Virgin Racing is passionate about nurturing new talent and Joel is one of the most up-and-coming drivers on the scene right now. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in our race-winning machinery.”
Xavier Mestelan Pinon, Director at DS Performance, said: “When Joel came in for his simulator session at DS Performance’s HQ, we were impressed with his work rate and how quickly he got up to speed. I am looking forward to seeing him in action on Marrakesh’s circuit to confirm his potential in the Formula E series.”
Round three of the 2017/18 FIA Formula E Championship takes place on January 13 at Marrakesh’s Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan.