Harry Tincknell signed as NIO simulator development driver

Britain's Harry Tincknell has joined NIO Formula E as the squad's official simulator development driver.

Tincknell represented NIO at Formula E's maiden rookie test that followed the Marrakesh ePrix in January whilst also taking part in a private pre-season test for the outfit last year. 

The 26-year-old currently races for Ford in the FIA World Endurance Championship and represents Mazda in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Tincknell has been given the official title of 'Driver in the Loop' Simulation Development driver and will be stationed at NIO's Oxfordshire base. 

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"I'm really delighted to extend my relationship with NIO driving the simulator this year," he said.

"I immediately felt at home with the team during pre-season testing and the rookie test in Marrakech, so to be working closely to help develop the car while at the same time gaining more experience with the unique techniques required to be fast in Formula E is the perfect scenario for me.

"It's fantastic to see the team scoring strong results on track this season and I'm really grateful that everything came together to make this deal happen alongside my existing sportscar commitments."

Team principal, Gerry Hughes, believes that Tincknell will play a key role within the outfit and will help the team's performances on track as NIO aims to return to the front of the grid for season five.

"It gives me great to pleasure to welcome Harry to the NIO Formula E Team in the capacity of driver in the loop simulator development driver," said Hughes.

"Whilst we have worked with Harry for some time now, this has always been very much on an ad-hoc basis, whereas this arrangement gives our working relationship real structure as we continue to develop as an organisation.

"I wish Harry all of the best in his new role here at NIO and certainly our race drivers will be eager to witness the fruits of his labour in terms of the role that he will undertake in the overall DIL sim development programme," he added.

At the mid-way point of the 2017/18 season, NIO sit in eighth in the Teams' Championship with 33 points, with Oliver Turvey scoring a best finish of second place at the Mexico City ePrix while team-mate Luca Filippi has had a tough start to his rookie campaign, taking only one point away from six races.