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Lynn replaces Lopez at DS Virgin Formula E squad
Alex Lynn will replace three-time WTCC champion Jose Maria Lopez in DS Virgin Racing’s driver line-up for the 2017/18 Formula E season.
Scott Mitchell
Edited: Sep 7, 2017, 8:46 PM
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Ex-Williams F1 development driver Lynn joined DS Virgin earlier this year as its reserve driver and made his Formula E debut in New York when Lopez had to miss the double-header because of his Toyota LMP1 commitments.
Lynn claimed pole for his debut but retired from both races, and now steps up to a race seat on a “multi-year” deal that will pair him with Sam Bird, who remains with DS Virgin for a fourth season.
“I am over the moon at being promoted to a full-time drive with the DS Virgin Racing Formula E team,” said Lynn.
“Having worked very closely with them since January, it has been a genuine pleasure to learn from such a fantastic group of high quality engineers and to integrate myself into their set-up.
“I would specifically like to thank [team principal] Alex Tai for not only giving me the chance to make my series debut in New York, but for subsequently promoting me to this full-time race seat.
“I intend to fully repay everyone’s faith in me on track next season.”
Bird has won five races with DS Virgin, and is the only driver other than title winners Sebastien Buemi and Lucas di Grassi to be victorious in each Formula E season.
He finished fourth in the drivers’ championship last season, and took a rare double win in the pair of New York races.
“Last season saw us take some big steps forward in terms of pace and energy management – as our double victory in New York showed – and I know the team has been working hard on maintaining this competitive edge,” said Bird.
“I’m looking forward to further success in season four and to be partnering with Alex who will no doubt prove to be a real asset to the team.”
Lopez may be forced to sidelines
Lynn’s promotion to a full-time race seat means Lopez may have to spend the 2017/18 season on the sidelines.
Lopez scored two podiums in a rapid but erratic rookie campaign, and a report in the Argentine’s home country last weekend alleged a breakdown in Lopez's relationship with Tai.
Alongside Lynn’s confirmation, Tai and DS performance director Xavier Mestelan Pinon thanked Lopez for his 2016/17 efforts, with Pinon highlighting his “valuable technical feedback”.
Though Lopez has previously indicated a desire to stay in the series, only a handful of seats are understood to still be available and those options are with non-race-winning teams like Venturi and Andretti.
Lopez’s FIA World Endurance Championship programme beyond the end of 2017 is also uncertain, with his employer Toyota yet to commit to the series following Porsche's withdrawal.
2017/18 Formula E grid so far:
Team
Drivers
Renault e.dams
Sebastien Buemi
Nico Prost
Faraday Future Dragon Racing
Jerome d'Ambrosio
Neel Jani
DS Virgin Racing
Sam Bird
Alex Lynn
Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler
Lucas di Grassi
Daniel Abt
Techeetah
Jean-Eric Vergne
TBA
Andretti
Antonio Felix da Costa
TBA
Mahindra
Nick Heidfeld
Felix Rosenqvist
NextEV NIO
Oliver Turvey
TBA
Jaguar
Mitch Evans
TBA
Venturi TBA
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