Crawford gets Andretti Formula E reserve role

Andretti has announced Jak Crawford as its reserve and development driver for the new Formula E season. The American replaces Zane Maloney who has moved into a race seat with Lola-Yamaha Abt, and gets the nod after testing for Andretti at last …

Andretti has announced Jak Crawford as its reserve and development driver for the new Formula E season.

The American replaces Zane Maloney who has moved into a race seat with Lola-Yamaha Abt, and gets the nod after testing for Andretti at last season’s rookie test in Berlin, where he was second-quickest of the 22 drivers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1394]

“I’m very excited to be the official Reserve and Development Driver for the Andretti Formula E team in Season 11,” said Crawford. “Growing up in America, Andretti is such a household name in motorsport so it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of the team.

“I’m keen to learn as much about the car as possible from both Jake (Dennis) and Nico (Mueller), and to play a role on the development side through simulator work. I’m looking forward to getting started and to hopefully have the chance to get more experience in the car.”

Crawford, also a member of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team’s young driver program, has been competing in Formula 2 for the last two years. He sits fifth in the points this season with four races to go, having won the feature race in Barcelona back in May. He also claimed a sprint race win at the Red Bull Ring last season.

“We are very pleased to announce that Jak is taking a more permanent role with the Andretti Formula E team as our reserve and development driver,” said Andretti team principal Roger Griffiths. “His debut with us at the Berlin Rookie Test was very impressive and he immediately showed strong pace.

“When the opportunity of a reserve and development driver arose, Jak was immediately of interest. He has demonstrated a mature approach through his second season in Formula 2, and since his appearance with us, has already achieved a win and three additional podiums. We look forward to his contributions in helping improve the team’s performance through his active role driving the simulator.”