Marrakesh E-Prix preview: Panasonic Jaguar Racing looks to build on strong start to the season

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Panasonic Jaguar Racing is in optimistic mood ahead of the second E-Prix race of the season, as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship heads to Marrakesh, Morocco this weekend.

Aiming to build on a strong start to the season after a double points finish in Saudi Arabia, the team is looking forward to another good weekend on track. In the same race last year, Nelspm Piquet Jr had a strong race, with Team Director James Barclay keen to better the result in Morocco.

He adds: “Nelson had a strong weekend in Marrakesh last year, securing the fastest lap and just missing out on a podium. Both drivers raced well for solid points in Ad Diriyah and we look forward to building on that in Marrakesh and starting 2019 in a positive way.”

There was an added boost ahead of this weekend, as Panasonic Jaguar Racing announced Pietro Fittipaldi and Harry Tincknell will be driving during the one-day rookie test in Marrakesh on the Sunday.

Current Haas F1 test driver and two-time Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi’s grandson, Pietro, will get the opportunity test with Panasonic Jaguar Racing for the second season running.

“I am excited to drive the Generation 2 Formula E car which will see a big step up with more power and grip,” he adds. “I am looking forward to seeing how it feels on track. I have heard so many good things about the Jaguar I-TYPE 3.”

British driver Harry Tincknell comes with strong racing pedigree as the 27-year-old is a Le Mans P2 class and European Series winner. He also has previous with Panasonic Jaguar Racing having tested for the team at Donington Park in 2016.

“Jaguar gave me my first laps in a Formula E car and I’m very grateful to be testing the new Generation 2 car with them. With in-season testing being limited, I really want to maximise the day for the team and contribute to the development of the I-TYPE 3.”

FanBoost for the race in Marrakesh is now open, so take a moment to show your support for either Mitch Evans or Nelson Piquet Jr. Each vote counts, as the top five drivers will benefit from an extra boost in the final 25 minutes of the race, which could prove vital in helping the team secure a podium.

The fan voting closes 10 minutes after the race starts.Place your FanBoost here.

Watch all the action live on Saturday from 3:00pm GMT on the BBC iPlayer or via livestreams on Facebook. Find out where to the watch the Formula E in your region here.