Mahindra Racing’s all-new Formula E car and two new drivers

Mahindra Racing unveiled their all-new Formula E racecar christened the M5Electro and also announced the signing of two new drivers, Belgian professional racing driver, Jérôme d’Ambrosio and Pascal Wehrlein who will race the 2019 ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Shell also came onboard as a sponsor for Mahindra Racing. Former F1 driver, Nick Heidfeld will be the reserve driver for the 2019 Formula E season and will also aid in developing and testing the current gen racecar.

The M5Electro was showcased with full race livery which was designed by fans, and will now also include the Shell oil logo. Mahindra Racing and Shell will work on the joint development of lubricants and fluids for electric vehicles. The electric racecar is based on the second generation of the Formula E race car which features an improved EV powertrain technology that has been developed through the learning gathered during the four seasons of Formula E racing. The M5Electro will be capable of sprinting to 100kmph in just 2.8 seconds and will boast a top speed of 280kmph.

“Formula E represents the cutting edge of EV technology and plays a strategic role in realizing Mahindra’s vision of the Future of Mobility through our ‘Race to Road strategy. Racing is at the pinnacle of global EV motorsport, it puts Mahindra on the fast track toward the development of an entirely new generation of EVs that offer clean, exciting yet affordable mobility to our customers. We are geared up to begin racing in Season 5 of Formula E in the next few days and will push hard toward victory. We look forward to growing interest and support from our Indian fans for a championship that is helping to develop sustainable mobility solutions for the future.”  Said Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra & Mahindra ltd. and Chairman, Mahindra Racing.

Change in rules for 2019 Formula E season:

• Race will now last for 45-minutes and an extra lap without any pit stops.
• Drivers can use the ‘Attack Mode’
• Five drivers who receive ‘FANBOOST’ from fan voting ahead of the race, are awarded a significant burst of power, which they can deploy in a five-second window during the second half of the race

What is Attack Mode?

Attack Mode lets the drivers pick up an extra hit of power and to arm this they will need to drive their cars off the racing line, through the Activation Zone. As a reward for taking a slower line through the corner, they will be able to collect an extra 25 kW of power.

“We have set a razor-sharp focus to build on our base from the last few seasons and continue to be one of the top teams in season 5 of Formula E. The ultimate objective, is to claim the championship title. Our team coupled with our strong pool of partners, will enable us to achieve this aspiration. We are thrilled to have Shell onboard as it will help us explore powerful opportunities in the area of lubricant technology and engineering, the results of which will be visible on and off the race track.” Said Dilbagh Gill, CEO and Team Principal, Mahindra Racing.