BMW Andretti have confirmed that British driver Jake Dennis will partner Max Günther in their team for the 2020-21 Formula E Season.
Dennis will replace fellow-Brit Alexander Sims who parted ways with the German manufacturer in August, with the 32-year-old agreeing on a deal to join Mahindra.
Philipp Eng emerged as the early frontrunner to partner Gunther next season, with the Austrian having tested BMW’s Formula E car and having represented them in several series such as IMSA and the DTM.
The confirmation of Jake Dennis comes somewhat as a surprise as BMW have several factory drivers potentially seeking full-time drivers next season, while Dennis has no official prior association with them.
As well as Eng’s outing in the car, Dennis was also given a test and BMW say the 25-year-old Brit impressed during an “intensive selection process” which took into account his performances on track and in their simulator.
For the past few years, Dennis has split his time between simulator duties with the Red Bull Formula 1 team and race appearances with R-Motorsport in the DTM and at the 12 hours of Bathurst where he secured pole position a second-place finish in last year’s race.
BMW Group Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt said: “I am delighted that we were able to recruit a young, talented, versatile driver like him for our Formula E project. His performances in the BMW Motorsport simulator and during test drives in the BMW iFE.20 were impressive which is why we decided to offer him the cockpit alongside Maximilian Günther.
“Jake made a name for himself through his appearances in the DTM and with his podium finish in the Bathurst 12 Hours, among other things. He is also a simulator and development driver for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in Formula 1. But our decision wasn’t based solely on whether someone has raced in the DTM or Formula 1.
“To be successful in Formula E with all its unique challenges, a driver must meet some very special criteria. We considered all of those and tested our candidates thoroughly with these in mind. At the end it was clear to us that Jake Dennis brings the perfect full package that we desire from a driver in Formula E.”
Dennis said of his new role: “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge that awaits me in Formula E, and would like to thank all those in charge at BMW i Andretti Motorsport for their trust.
“I’m aware that I will be confronted with unique requirements in Formula E, which I will need to get used to first, but versatility has always been one of my strengths, and I am confident that, with the help of the team and my fellow driver Maximilian Günther, I will quickly get my bearings.
“Formula E is one of those race series that, as a racing driver, you really want to be involved in at the moment because the level of manufacturers, teams and drivers is higher there than anywhere else. I can’t wait to be starting a Formula E race in the BMW iFE.21 for the very first time.”
