FIA Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag says the all-electric series’ latest driver, former F1 racer Esteban Gutierrez, can be a title contender in season four.
Gutierrez was announced as a Formula E driver earlier this week, with the Mexican set to step in at various races during the remainder of the 2016/2017 season.
So far he has been confirmed for the Mexico City ePrix and New York ePrix, but the team he will be driving for has not been revealed yet.
A number of clashes with other racing championships mean seats will free up at some races, making room for Gutierrez.
The initial announcement stated that Gutierrez was considering full-time options in Formula E for the 2017/2018 season and Agag reckons he can be a front-runner.
“I think that’s [Gutierrez joining] great news for the championship,” he said. “We’ve known Esteban for a long time – I was in GP2 when Esteban was there and obviously he’s a great driver.
“He’s a young driver and has a long career in front of him and is choosing to follow his career after Formula 1 in Formula E.
“At his age, I see a very bright future for him. I think it’s going to be great for the Mexico race to have a local star for the fans to cheer for.
“This year Esteban is going to be on a learning curve in Formula E – he’s missed two races of the season already, so it’s not a season for him to try to win the championship, but a season to learn.
“He’ll race in Mexico and New York – we have a few clashes with other championships that will free up seats and for him to occupy those seats and to learn.
“And then after that in season four, I think he’ll have a proper race drive and will be one of the guys who is going to fight for the championship.”
