Mahindra Racing has confirmed that former Formula 1 driver Sergey Sirotkin will test for the team in this month's in-season Formula E test, which follows the Marrakesh E-Prix.
Sirotkin, 23, will make his return behind the wheel of all-electric machinery in the test which marks the second of three in-season tests scheduled to take place during the 2018/19 campaign.
In 2018, the Russian racer competed in Formula 1, driving for Williams, but he will not continue to work with the team in 2019 after the British squad opted to refresh its driver line-up, signing reigning Formula 2 champion George Russell and series returnee Robert Kubica.
Before racing for Williams where he scored one point, Sirotkin carried out testing duties for Renault and Sauber and also raced in the GP2 Series, finishing in third place in the Drivers' Championship on two occasions.
“Formula E is now one of the most rapidly developing championships. The competition here is at very high level," said Sirotkin.
“More manufacturers are entering the series as they are confident that electric cars have strong future potential. More technical solutions appear in these cars and they are progressing rapidly.
“I drove a Formula E car in 2016 but now the car generation has changed it will be interesting to try the difference. I’m looking forward for this great experience with Mahindra Racing.”
Sam Dejonghe will join Sirotkin at Mahindra in the test, carrying out his duties as the Indian marque's development driver.
Mahindra Racing Team Principal Dilbagh Gill expressed his delight at the confirmation of both Sirotkin and Dejonghe and believes that both drivers will bring valuable experience to the team:
"I am delighted to announce that Sergey and Sam will be testing for us in Marrakesh in the rookie test,” he said.
“Sergey has shown from a very young age that he is extremely talented and we are very happy that he is available to contribute to our Season Five testing program – I’m sure his involvement is going to prove valuable given his experience.
“I’m also very happy to be able to provide Sam with the opportunity of taking part in an all teams test for the second time.
“He has been working very hard with our engineering team for over a year on our development programme and is a valuable part of our team.”
The Marrakesh in-season test will take place on January 13, one day after the Marrakesh E-Prix which marks the second race of the 2018/19 season.
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