Vandoorne lands Jaguar reserve role

Stoffel Vandoorne has been given something of a Formula E lifeline by joining Jaguar TCS Racing as a reserve driver, supporting race drivers Mitch Evans and Antonio Felix da Costa.

Vandoorne has 103 starts in Formula E, with eight pole positions and 17 podiums to his name, four of them wins – the most recent coming in the first race of last season's Tokyo E-Prix after an early Pit Boost gamble paid off following a red flag. But the 2021-22 series champion was left without a drive after being let go by Maserati MSG Racing ahead of its transition to Citroen Racing, marking the first time since he joined the series that he's been left without a full-time seat.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing as reserve driver for the upcoming season,” said Vandoorne. “It’s a team I’ve long admired for its performance and professionalism, and I’m excited to contribute to their continued success. I’m looking forward to supporting the team both on and off the track and helping push the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 to its full potential.”

Vandoorne debuted with HWA Racelab in Season 5, remaining with the team when it became the Mercedes works team – then led by new Jaguar team principal Ian James – and taking his title in the team's marques and final season. He then spent two seasons with DS Penske before spending a sole campaign with Maserati.

The Belgian previously split his Formula E commitments for Stellantis’ teams with a drive for the company’s Peugeot brand in WEC, but was replaced by Theo Pourchaire following the conclusion of his contract. Whether he’ll have a WEC ride alongside his new Jaguar role is currently unclear – fellow new arrival da Costa will dovetail his Formula E commitments with a drive in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

Jaguar also confirmed that Tom Dillmann will remain with the team as simulator and reserve driver for a sixth season.

Prior to joining Jaguar, Dillman previously tested for Team Aguri and Venturi, going on to race for the team in the second half of the 2016-17 season. He made three more starts for the team the following season, before having a first – and so far only – full season with Nio in 2018-19.