For Swedish racer Joel Eriksson, it’ll be a situation of going from “3 to E.”
The 19-year-old Eriksson finished runner-up in FIA Formula 3 last season. Now, he’s preparing for a Formula E rookie test for DS Virgin Racing.
The test, which will also include one other still-to-be-named driver, will take place Jan. 14, one day after Round 3 of the 2017-18 Formula E Championship at Marrakesh’s Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan.
Eriksson will pilot a Formula E race-winning DSV-03, the first time he’s been behind the wheel since last season’s Formula 3 effort when he earned seven wins and 14 podium appearances.
“Formula E has a wealth of very talented drivers so it’s great to be experiencing this first hand and getting my first taste of electric racing,” Eriksson said in a media release. “DS Virgin Racing are a proven race-winning team so I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel.”
Eriksson was voted 27th in a recent poll by Autosport Magazine of the top 50 drivers of 2017.
“DS Virgin Racing is passionate about nurturing new talent and Joel is one of the most up and coming drivers on the scene right now,” team principal Alex Tai said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in our race-winning machinery.”
Added DS performance director Xavier Mestelan Pinon, “When Joel came in for his simulator session at DS Performance’s HQ, we were impressed with his work rate and how quickly he got up to speed. I am looking forward to seeing him in action on Marrakesh’s circuit to confirm his potential in the Formula E series.”