Jehan Daruvala belives that his upcoming FIA Formula 2 campaign will aid his Formula E hopes for the future.
Announced as Mahindra Racing’s reserve driver at the end of November 2022, Daruvala will embark on a combined programme of simulator work and race weekends with the team on site.
The former Red Bull Junior will also run for his fourth season in FIA Formula 2 with reigning Teams’ and Drivers champions MP Motorsport, as he looks to mount a title challenge once again.
“There are a lot of things that are working well, and combined with my Formula E reserve role, it was definitely the best option for me,” Daruvala told MotorsportWeek.com. “To stay race fit, to be fighting in a championship which is at a super high level.”
Darvuala believes he is in the best place to develop his career, alongside experienced drivers in Lucas di Grassi and Oliver Rowland.
“It’s definitely good to have two drivers in the team who have a lot of experience – it’s probably the best team to be in and to be learning from two experienced drivers, they don’t keep anything from me.”
Daruvala’s relationship with Rowland dates back to his days in Formula Renault, where the Briton was Daruvala’s driver coach. Their existing relationship will likely benefit the team’s progression as they aim to make positive steps in understanding the Gen3 package.
The Indian driver is not the only Formula 2 talent to have looked to Formula E for their big break when Formula 1 seemed off the cards. In recent seasons, the likes of Sergio Sette Camara, Dan Ticktum and Jake Hughes have all jumped across to the all-electric racing series with positive results.
“It gives me good confidence, as well as it, gives teams good confidence that the guys coming from Formula 2 is at a good level and can compete right at the front,” Daruvala said.
Most recently, Hughes secured his first pole in Formula E after quitting Formula 2 halfway through the 2022 season to concentrate on his role as a reserve driver with Mercedes EQ. Daruvala believes Formula 2 is the perfect training ground for success in Formula E.
“Although they are different cars at the end of the day we have a lot of pressure in Formula 2. The experience does help and carry forward into Formula E.”
The championship has introduced mandatory rookie FP1 outings this year, similar to F1’s system that was utilised last year for the first time.
Formula E’s session is looking likely to be held at the Berlin E-Prix, with Daruvala expecting to make an outing at the German round.
“The plan will be to do the rookie session in Berlin. I’ll be at quite a few races that don’t clash with my F2 calendar. It’s going to be a busy year for me. It’s a new step in my career and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Looking ahead to the first home race event for both himself and the team this weekend in India, Daruvala added: “It’s going to be a huge event for the team and also the biggest event for me in the year, I’m looking forward to it for sure.”
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