Formula E: Jaguar to make motorsport return

Jaguar will return to motor-racing in 2016 in the Formula E Championship, the British manufacturer said on Tuesday. Their entry into the electric-powered championship has been approved by Formula E and the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Published : Dec 15, 2015 18:11 IST

Jaguar have not had a presence in motorsport since 2004.

Jaguar will return to motor-racing in 2016 in the Formula E Championship, the British manufacturer said on Tuesday. Their entry into the electric-powered championship has been approved by Formula E and the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

"I am proud to announce Jaguar's return to racing with an entry into the innovative FIA Formula E championship," said Nick Rogers, the group engineering director for Jaguar Land Rover.

"Electric vehicles will absolutely play a role in Jaguar Land Rover's future product portfolio and Formula E will give us a unique opportunity to further our development of electrification technologies."

Jaguar had a Formula One team from 2000 to 2004 after buying the Stewart Racing team but it wasn't a success and was sold to Red Bull, becoming the successful Red Bull Racing team that won four straight drivers' titles through Sebastian Vettel.

Jaguar, which won the Le Mans 24-hour race five times in the 1950s and again in 1988 and 1990, has not had a presence in motorsport since 2004.