Former BMW factory driver Joel Eriksson will make his Formula E debut at the inaugural Puebla E-Prix in Mexico next month, replacing Dragon Penske Autosport driver Nico Muller.
The absence of the Swiss is due to the fact that he will have a commitment with the Audi Team Rosberg team to contest the first race of the DTM season at Monza. It should be noted that Muller has a podium in Valencia after being beaten only by Nyck de Vries and accumulates 30 points in the drivers table for the seventh season.
The 22-year-old Eriksson was renewed as Dragon’s reserve driver for the remainder of the season at this time. However, the Swede has accomplishments and a European Formula 3 championship in 2016.
“To race in Formula E has always been a dream since the championship started and to be given the chance finally feels kind of unreal. There’s a lot of work in front of us, but I have a great team behind me, so I know they will do all they can to make me as prepared as possible before arriving in Mexico,” said the pilot.
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Eriksson estimated that the challenge would be greater as he must get the most out of the car with limited mileage. Likewise, he expressed that he must gain as much experience as possible and score points in Puebla.
The number of points Dragon has in season seven is an aspect that worries the team, as they are only 11th out of 12 teams in the standings, and the only points other than Muller’s podium in Valencia were courtesy of a fourth and fifth place in Diriyah’s second race.
“I am pleased to welcome Joel back to the Team,” said team boss Jay Penske. “He is a valuable resource for the organisation and has tremendous potential to apply his racecraft to the unique demands of Formula E and deliver results for the team on track in Puebla and behind the scenes throughout the rest of the season. I look forward to our first race together.”
Written by | Gabriel Sayago
