Panasonic Jaguar Racing will make its FIA Formula E debut in the season opening race in Hong Kong's iconic central harbour-front district this Sunday. The British manufacturer is hoping to extend its successful motorsport legacy that dates back to the 1950s by entering as a full manufacturer two-car team in Formula E, the all-electric single-seater series.
Beginning in Hong Kong, British driver Adam Carroll, 33, and New Zealander Mitch Evans, 22, will race Panasonic Jaguar Racing's first all-electric Jaguar race car - the I-TYPE, in the 14-round series which will conclude in Montreal in July 2017. Jaguar's Formula E programme will create tangible R&D benefits for the electrification of future Jaguar Land Rover road cars and is designed around the team's founding principle, Race to Innovate, the company said in a statement.
Formula E races last 50 minutes and includes a mandatory pit stop, in which drivers switch to a second car adding another element to the exciting competition. Drivers face unique challenges in Formula E as they have to manage battery consumption and regeneration of the battery to maintain charge throughout the race.
Manufacturers can design their own powertrains, which includes the motor, transmission, inverter and the rear suspension. Common components across all teams include the carbon fibre chassis and battery to help control costs. The focus is on developing electric vehicle powertrains.
Talking about Panasonic-Jaguar Racing's I-TYPE, the single-seater race car features an MGU (Motor Generated Unit) with a maximum power output of 200kW (268bhp) and with a maximum speed of 225 km/h. Power is delivered via a paddle shift sequential gearbox.
Beyond its all-electric concept, Formula E is also unique in the world of motorsport for its choice of venues. Every round, bar one in Mexico, takes place on street circuits, in the centre of major cities. Track action, including practice, qualifying and racing, takes place in a single day, apart from at the two-day double-header races in New York and the season-finale in Montreal.
