One year out from its debut appearance on the grid of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, Neel Jani is set to return to the series with Porsche.
After making his Formula E debut with Geox Dragon in the first race of the 2017/18 season, Jani left the series to continue his work with Porsche, focusing on the development of its record-breaking 919 Hybrid Evo. In August 2018, Jani smashed the track record at Spa-Francorchamps behind the wheel of the World Endurance inspired car.
“Without doubt, Neel is the right man for our new technologically trendsetting programme,” said Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.
“Not only does he contribute speed, but he has a huge amount of single-seater experience. He has already driven in Formula E and is well established in Weissach as a development driver.”
Jani finished near the back of the grid in both races in Hong Kong last season before exiting the series. The Swiss driver has been a Porsche works driver since 2013, taking outright victory at Le Mans in 2016 before going on to clinch the FIA World Endurance Championship title the same year. Between 2014 and the end of 2017, the 35-year-old won four races in the 919 while securing nine pole positions and four fastest race laps.
Porsche will join the Championship ahead of the 2019/20 series alongside seasoned motorsport specialists Mercedes, bringing the total number of teams to 12. The manufacturer's entry chimes with the launch of its first all-electric road car - the Taycan - which will hit the road in 2020.