Fortescue Zero Racing launched its Formula E Season 13 car in London on Friday, as the team prepares to race in its maiden campaign in a year the sport is expected to jump to a new level.
The National Centre for CircusArts acted as the venue for the spectacular launch that featured circus performance, and substantial green neon lighting in deference to the team’ colours.
Claire Williams acted as host, the links between Williams and Fortescue Zero well forged from the the F1 team’s former Advanced Engineering division, introducing key speakers, Team Principal Jim Wright, new driver signing Dan Ticktum, and Executive Chairman Dr Andrew Forrest.
Fortescue Zero is a fledgling enterprise, with only 60 days between the decision being made to secure the assets to the now defunct PS Penske team and launch day, marking a spectacular effort.
Fortescue Zero faces “daunting challenge”
Team Principal Jim Wright faced a a barrage of people wanting to speak to him, but what became clear early on was his absolute and steadfast belief in the project, and the staff working under him,
Alluded to the work going on behind the scenes to get the cars ready, he offered insight into how the team is preparing for its first runs building effectively from scratch.
The sheer scale of the effort required has led to an all hands on deck approach, with a deadline of this coming Wednesday to send the freight to Spain.
“We’ve bought assets from Penske, but none of those are transferable”, he said to Motorsport Week exclusively.
“You know, we bought certain assets, you know, obviously with the team licence. Some of the personnel, but not all, because 40% of the Penske workforce were actually scientists implanted there.
“And all of the equipment I’ve just talked about doesn’t fit anymore. So what we’re doing is building two cars from scratch. And that’s coming together very, very quickly.
“The supply chain, Spark, Podium, these guys have been absolutely tremendous. Bridgestone got tyres to us very quickly. So all of that’s coming together.
“But we’re also building the pit garage, all of the IT, because that’s all completely new again. So just those things, which we take for granted, but take a long, long time to build up and a huge amount of work.
“So over this weekend, there’ll be 30 people giving up their weekends to put this team together so that we can shake the cars down next week and then make the freight on Wednesday evening to go to Spain .So it’s as simple as that. It’s as simple and as daunting as that.”
Signing Dan Ticktum acted as a significant statement of intent for the new team, Wright confirming his delight at securing Ticktum.
Highlighting his race craft and very unique character as the reasons for pursing the in demand Briton, Wright praised his new star asset.
“Well, first of all, chuffed to have got his signature, because there were three other teams competing for him, so that was a coup,” he said.
“Dan, he’s not only fast, he’s a proven race winner .His race craft is fantastic. We remember the Tokyo E-Prix where he nutmegged Jake Dennis on the last lap, and you don’t do that. You have to get up very early in the morning to do that to Jake Dennis.
“So his race craft is superb. He’s a great qualifier. Next year will be more onus on qualifying and getting out of the group stage.
“So all of those things really appeal to us. But I think, above all else, it’s his character. He never gives up, and he wants this more than anyone else. And that appeals.
And what of Taylor Barnard?
One large elephant in the room did linger throughout the evening, as Taylor Barnard, the driver that raced for the team in its previous identity as DS Penske did not attend the launch, raising eyebrows.
Wright did not shy away from acknowledging his very clear absence, maintaining that Barnard is signed to Fortescue Zero, but his answer did allude to all not being well behind the scenes.
“So, our position is clear, I think we’ve stated it, We signed Taylor Barnard in early October”, he confirmed. #
“He’s chosen not to be here today and be part of that. And that’s his position.
“I think what’s important for us is this company, Fortescue, has a lot of values which it carries through. Everyone who becomes a Fortescue employee has emboldened in them a set of values. And integrity is very important to us, honestly.
“And we’ll hold that through the entire Fortescue operation.That includes Fortescue Zero Racing. So we’ll see. All I can say is that we will have two cars in Jarama the week after next
“And we will have two fast drivers in those cars. And I think beyond that, I wouldn’t want to comment at this stage.”
Pre-season testing begins shortly in Jarama Spain, where the new GEN4 cars will be put through their paces.
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