Lynn to make FE debut in New York

Alex Lynn will replace Jose Maria Lopez for the New York ePrix double header.

Lynn joined DS Virgin Racing as a reserve driver earlier in the season and will step in for Lopez, who has been forced to miss the double header due to a clash with his World Endurance Championship commitments.

Team-mate Sam Bird has confirmed he will miss the 6 Hours of Nurburgring to race in New York. He and Lynn will form Formula E’s first all-Brit line up.

“I’m delighted to be racing for the DS Virgin Racing team,” said Lynn. “Formula E has always impressed me with its combination of advanced technology, iconic city centre locations and some of the best drivers in the world. We have a lot of testing and simulator work to do before the New York event, but I’m confident I can show what I’m capable of during my rookie debut in the Big Apple.”

This won’t be Lynn’s first appearance in a race weekend, having driven during the shakedown at Mexico. He also tested the Jaguar Racing car in preseason testing last summer. Away from FE, his racing CV boasts a GP3 title, multiple GP2 race wins, a LMP2 pole position at Le Mans this year and work as a Formula 1 test driver.

“I’ve long been an admirer of Alex as a driver, so it will be great to see what he is capable of and how quickly he can adapt to the competitive world of Formula E,” said team principal Alex Tai. “As it’s a new track it will be a level playing field for all drivers so, combined with our quick car, hopefully we can achieve the results we deserve.”

Virgin group founder Richard Branson has stepped up to replace Lynn as reserve driver, should anything stop Bird or Lynn getting in the cars next month.

“I heard about the situation at the team and offered my services!” he said. “As you know, I’ve always loved a challenge and Alex, Sam and myself are three plucky Brits ready to take on New York. Alex Tai is putting me through my paces before the event; I’ve organised some testing time on the streets of Manhattan ahead of the race so hopefully I can impress the boss!”

It’s unlikely Branson’s services will be required in the car but if he does manage to make his FE debut, he’ll be the oldest driver to compete in an ePrix, narrowly beating Jacques Villeneuve by a mere 20 years.