DRAGON has announced that former DS Virgin Racing driver and three-time FIA WTCC world champion Jose Maria Lopez will replace Neel Jani and race alongside Jerome D’Ambrosio for the remainder of the 2017/18 season.
Lopez, a two-time podium-finisher, joined Formula E ahead of last season as the reigning World Touring Car champion, and his performances improved over the course of the season - with podium finishes in Paris and Montreal being the main highlights.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC LMP1 driver will make his debut for the American outfit at a familiar location, the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, where he has won no less than three times before. Lopez will be looking to give the team their first points of the season at the Marrakesh E-Prix, after both D’Ambrosio and Jani had disappointing weekends in Hong Kong, leaving the team at the bottom of the standings.
Jose Maria Lopez, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge of Formula E in season four with DRAGON. I have good experience from season three, and I’m confident that we can achieve strong results as the season progresses.”
After completing only two races for DRAGON, Jani will focus his efforts on the World Endurance Championship with Rebellion.
Jay Penske, Team Principal and Team Owner at DRAGON, said: “Jose is a world champion racer who has consistently performed at the highest level in each formula in which he has competed. I’m confident that his season three experience and collaboration with Jerome will be a winning formula for the DRAGON organisation.”
To witness Lopez’s return to the electric racing series in person - click here for tickets.