Alpine driver confirmed for 'no-brainer' Formula E appearance

Mahindra has confirmed it will field Formula 2 and Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini in next month's Formula E rookie practice session in Jeddah. 

The rookie-only session will take place ahead of first practice for the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit which is best known for hosting F1's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

Maini is the first rookie driver to be confirmed for the 40-minute session, although has previously tested FE machinery for Mahindra last year in Berlin. 

His FE appearance in Jeddah falls ahead of the F2 season-opener in Australia in March, where he will be competing for DAMS after moving from Invicta Racing for his third season in the series. 

The F2 race winner is excited for the upcoming opportunity to drive the Gen3 EVO, and is pleased to continue working with Mahindra. 

"I’m excited to be back with Mahindra Racing for the Rookie Practice in Jeddah next month," said Maini. "I was very impressed with my first experience of Formula E in Berlin last season, and the new GEN3 Evo car is clearly another step up from that. 

"I’ve been watching closely across the first two races this season and can’t wait to get behind the wheel for myself.

"The team has had a very strong start to the season, with a lot of the hard work from last year coming to fruition. 

"It’ll be great to be back in that environment, and I’m sure with Mahindra’s ongoing support, we can have a productive session and build on the learnings from last year."

With Maini having served as Mahindra's reserve driver last season, the Banbury-based outfit is familiar with how the Indian driver likes to operate. 

Team principal Frederic Bertrand is a fan of Maini's and revealed that the decision to use the F2 star in Jeddah was an easy one to make.

"Kush impressed everybody at the team in his role as our Reserve Driver last season, and it was a no-brainer to continue that relationship for the Rookie Practice in Jeddah," said Bertrand.

“We’ve made a strong start to the season with our new car, but it’s important we make use of all the track time available to us to keep progressing. 

"Kush’s work ethic, diligence and skill make him the perfect choice to slot into the team for the session, especially on what will be a new circuit for all the teams."