Jaguar Racing driver James Calado will miss the final two races of the Formula E season due to a pre-existing commitment in the World Endurance Championship with Ferrari.
British-Swedish driver Tom Blomqvist, who competed for six races with Andretti back in the 2017-18 Formula E season, will take his place for the remaining two races in Berlin after joining the team in July as official reserve driver.
A BMW factory driver until late last year, the 26 year old has raced recently in both the WEC and IMSA championships, and had planned to race in GT World Challenge Europe (formerly the Blancpain GT) series this season with R-Motorsport. Those plans were scuppered, however, when the Swiss outfit withdrew as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am excited to get behind the wheel of the Jaguar I-TYPE 4 for the last couple of races,” said Blomqvist. “It will be a new layout for those races and a fresh opportunity for everyone. I am looking forward to making my return to Formula E and want to deliver my very best for Mitch and the team.”
“Tom has arrived in Berlin having supported the team over the last week back in the UK at our team base,” said Jaguar team director James Barclay. “He has a tough job ahead of him, but he is really up for the challenge. His previous Formula E experience and knowledge will stand him in good stead. The whole team look forward to seeing him on track on Wednesday and Thursday.”
Calado has endured a challenging rookie season. The Brit has struggled since his debut in Diriyah last year, scoring 10 points in nine races compared to teammate Mitch Evans, who has 65 points and is currently 6th in the drivers championship.
With Envision Virgin driver Sam Bird switching teams to partner Evans at Jaguar next year, Calado’s prospects of remaining in Formula E looked increasingly unlikely.
The WEC season resumes on August 15th with the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, and Calado is committed to racing with AF Corse Ferrari in the GTE-Pro class. He would need to be at the Belgian circuit for free practice on August 13th – the same day as the final race of the Formula E season in Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport.
“I would like to thank James for everything he has done for the team this year under incredibly difficult circumstances,” said Barclay. “He is the such a professional driver and I would like to wish him well in Spa this week in his fight for the World Endurance Championship.”
