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Formula E: Mahindra, Jaguar confirm driver lineups for 2017-18

By Alex Herbst

MONTREAL, CANADA - JULY 29: Adam Carroll in the Invictus Games liveried I-TYPE during the Monrtreal ePrix, eleventh round of the 2016/17 FIA Formula E Series on July 29, 2017 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Ferraro/LAT Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - JULY 29: Adam Carroll in the Invictus Games liveried I-TYPE during the Monrtreal ePrix, eleventh round of the 2016/17 FIA Formula E Series on July 29, 2017 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Ferraro/LAT Images) /
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As the Formula E offseason moves come to their thrilling conclusion ahead of the start of the new season, Mahindra and Jaguar have confirmed their lineups.

Unlike much of the rest of the racing world, the all-electric Formula E world championship runs a winter into spring schedule, with the newest season of the series set to begin in December. But before the fastest electric cars can take to the streets of Hong Kong, the driver lineups for all ten championship teams have to be set.

Mahindra Racing is one of the first teams to officially confirm their driver lineup for the 2017-18 campaign. The Indian racing team will be keeping their team of Felix Rosenqvist and Nick Heidfeld intact for the coming season, and with good reason.

The 2016-17 season for Mahindra was one of their best yet, with their first ever win coming in the first half of the Berlin doubleheader with Rosenqvist. This combined with strong performances by Heidfeld helped propel the team into third in the team standings.

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Elsewhere, it will be an offseason of change at Jaguar Racing, re-charging their lineup by bringing in former Formula E and Global RallyCross champion Nelson Piquet Jr. to partner with Mitch Evans. Piquet has been lacking speed in recent years as NextEV NIO fell behind its stronger competitors in development, unable to retain their championship winning form. Jaguar, meanwhile, fought hard in their maiden season in Formula E, but will be looking for more after seeing Adam Carroll underperform in their new ride.

The move for Piquet to Jaguar will open up one of the seats at NextEV for the 2017-18 season, competing alongside Oliver Turvey. Potential candidates could include former Techeetah driver Ma Qing Hua, former DS Virgin Racing driver Jose Maria Lopez, and a number of former WEC LMP1 drivers. Plenty of other rides remain open as well across the paddock.

Five teams have now fully confirmed their driver lineups for the 2017-18 campaign, with Mahindra and Jaguar joining DS Virgin, Dragon, and Renault e.Dams as being set for the new season. Among the changes at these teams include Neel Jani arriving at Dragon to replace Loic Duval and Alex Lynn replacing Jose Maria Lopez at DS Virgin Racing.

Next: Continental Tire Leaving IMSA After 2018

Be sure to stay tuned to Beyond The Flag for the latest news, rumors, and analysis from around the Formula E grid ahead of the season-opening Hong Kong ePrix. Season long television coverage of Formula E will continue to be seen in the United States on FOX Sports.

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