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Formula E
Rosenqvist and Heidfeld retained by Mahindra
The Mahindra Formula E team has re-signed its race winner Felix Rosenqvist and multiple-time podium finisher Nick Heidfeld for the 2017/18 season.
Scott Mitchell
Edited: Sep 20, 2017, 11:24 AM
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Mahindra claimed its breakthrough victory with Rosenqvist in Berlin earlier this year, seven races into the Swede’s rookie campaign.
Rosenqvist added four other podium finishes to that win on his way to third in the points, while Heidfeld matched Rosenqvist’s tally of five rostrums and finished seventh in the standings.
Motorsport.com understands Rosenqvist, who also claimed three poles last season, has a “long-term” agreement with Mahindra.
He said the coming season would be “a massive challenge with stiff competition”, and added: “I will draw on everything I learned in 2016/17 to try and lift us to the next level.”
Heidfeld joined Mahindra for the second FE season in 2015/16 and has been a key part of the Indian manufacturer’s rise from sporadic point-scoring team to frontrunner.
The ex-Formula 1 driver said Mahindra is “going from strength to strength” and is “exactly where I want to be”.
Mahindra team principal Dilbagh Gill has said mounting a title challenge is expected after retaining its two drivers and strong development work with its M4Electro powertrain.
“We’re thrilled that both Nick and Felix will remain with Mahindra Racing next season,” said Gill.
“With them, we’re confident that our new race car, the M4Electro, will prove to be our strongest yet and Mahindra will consistently be fighting at the front of the field for wins and championships.”
Motorsport.com understands Mahindra is also close to announcing a reserve driver.
Editor's view
No team claimed more podium finishes or pole positions in FE last season than Mahindra, as concrete an example of its progression as you are likely to find.
Mahindra has come a long way from an erratic inaugural FE campaign, going from eighth to fifth to third in the teams’ championship over the three seasons.
Five rostrums apiece for Rosenqvist and Heidfeld are a strong indicator of their combined value to the ever-improving team, while three poles for the Swede (matched only by champion Lucas di Grassi) show there is plenty of speed to go with Mahindra’s race performance.
Rosenqvist drew obvious plaudists last year for his remarkable rookie performances, which include Mahindra’s first FE win. But Heidfeld’s experience, relentlessness and technical understanding has been key to the team’s development.
Retaining both was a no-brainer for Mahindra, although there was a feeling that Rosenqvist would be particularly tricky to keep hold of. Instead, the understanding is Rosenqvist has signed a deal for longer than just this season.
If that’s the case, Mahindra will have a driver firmly capable of delivering the title challenge its team principal Dilbagh Gill has targeted.
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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