Formula E’s sole rookie for Season 10, Jehan Daruvala, is “really excited” ahead of his debut this weekend at the season-opening Mexico City E-Prix, where he intends to “do myself and my team proud”.
Maserati MSG Racing have taken a big gamble in 2024 by replacing the experienced Edoardo Mortara with Daruvala, given how unforgiving Formula E can be for rookie drivers. Formula E is regarded by many as the toughest championship in the world to be a debutant in; however, it’s a challenge the Indian driver is looking forward to.
He’s not a complete rookie per se, as he was Mahindra Racing’s Reserve driver in Season 9 and did participate in the Berlin Rookie test for them. He would’ve done the same in Rome for the Indian manufacturer, had the side not suffered issues on the opening day in the Italian capital.
Nevertheless, Daruvala has so far settled in well at Maserati following his move from Formula 2 and completed a very strong 244 laps during last October’s official pre-season test in Valencia. His best lap was enough for P15.
The 25-year-old will still have a remarkable amount to learn this weekend in his first competitive Formula E weekend, especially after Season 9 rookie Jake Hughes told Motorsport Week that he was shocked to discover that his debut 12 months ago was “nothing like a simulator race”.
Nevertheless, the Bombay-born driver is ready to finally get going in the World Championship and is simply “looking forward to experiencing” everything Formula E has to offer.
“It’s fair to say that I’m really excited for my debut with Maserati MSG Racing in Mexico – what an iconic place to start my journey as a Formula E driver,” Daruvala said. “Together with the team we have worked really hard over the last few months make sure that I’m as prepared as possible ahead of the start of the season.
“The track layout looks fun to drive and the atmosphere in Mexico is something I’m very much looking forward to experiencing as well – people underestimate the impact that these things can have on a driver. Most of all though, I want to do myself and my team proud.”
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