Jaguar will make a return to open-wheel racing - its first since its pullout from Formula 1 after the 2004 campaign with the team bought out by Red Bull - in the 2016-2017 FIA Formula E Championship.
It will see the manufacturer seek to develop electronic technology that can be better used for its line of automobiles in the next five or so years.
“I am proud to announce Jaguar’s return to racing with an entry into the innovative FIA Formula E championship,” Nick Rogers, group engineering director for Jaguar Land Rover, said in a release.
“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. The Championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions.
“It is my belief that over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. The future is about being more connected and more sustainable; electrification and lightweight technologies are becoming more important than ever as urbanisation continues to increase. Formula E has recognized and reacted to these trends and the championship’s exciting and pioneering approach is the perfect fit for our brand.”
Jaguar joins other manufacturers such as Audi and Renault within the championship. Series CEO Alejandro Agag hailed Jaguar’s arrival.
“We are delighted to welcome Jaguar into Formula E. Jaguar is a brand with a rich sporting heritage and the fact that it is returning to global motorsport with Formula E is a huge endorsement of the championship and its ability to influence the development of electric cars,” Agag said.
“Jaguar brings with it a passionate fan base that will drive the popularity of the championship across the world and once again shows that Formula E is the future of motorsport.”