James Calado completes Jaguar line up, ‘lighter’ 2019/20 challenger revealed

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James Calado completes Jaguar line up, ‘lighter’ 2019/20 challenger revealed

James Calado completes Jaguar line up, ‘lighter’ 2019/20 challenger revealed 

Following Mitch Evans commitment to the British ABB FIA Formula E outfit Panasonic Jaguar Racing for a fourth season, the team today revealed UK driver James Calado will make his debut for the team in Formula E for its 2019/20 campaign alongside it’s lightest powertrain yet, the I-Type 4. 

Less than a week after Kiwi frontman Mitch Evans confirmed he’d remain with the British racing squad, the team revealed its new Gen2 I-Type 4 alongside James Calado, who completes the team’s driver line up.

“This was one of the most sought-after seats in Formula E and I’m extremely proud to have been offered it,” said the 30-year-old driver.  

“Jaguar’s motorsport history is iconic and to be a part of this team in Formula E is a great opportunity for me. 

“Although electric racing is new to me, I’m confident in my own single-seater experience to secure some great results for the team. Expectations are high and I can’t wait for the first race in Diriyah in November.”

After starting his career in karts in 1999, the British driver went on to compete against some of the biggest names in motorsports including Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne and Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas throughout his career. In 2017, he became the WEC GTE Pro champion and in two years later took victory in the GTE Pro class at the Le Mans 24 hours.

Now based in Penarth, Wales, Calado will call on his single-seater experience in GP3, GP2, British Formula Three and Formula One, to challenge for the title in the sixth season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. 

Driver unrest

Calado’s appointment follows months of unrest regarding Jaguar’s driver line up after seasoned Formula E driver and former champion Nelson Piquet Jr. was dropped from the team ahead of the 2019 Rome E-Prix. With Alex Lynn stepping in until the end of the season, there were doubts over the British driver’s future with the team heading into the 2019/20 campaign.

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I-Type 4: “the lightest powertrain the team has ever produced” 

Developed entirely in-house, the team claim the new I-Type 4 powertrain makes use of ‘the latest materials and enhanced packaging’ to produce the lightest powertrain to date.

“There has been a huge amount of hard work and determination from the development team to create the most competitive racecar we’ve ever had,” said Team Principal James Barclay.

“This is a team effort and when we’re all pulling in the right direction, great things can happen. We’ve learnt how to win and we are hungry for more. Bring on season six!” 

Alongside the new powertrain, the team revealed a new partnership with Castrol.