Driver changes for Avalanche Andretti and Mahindra Racing heading into Jakarta
David Beckmann to step in for Andre Lotterer in Jakarta
Avalanche Andretti’s Andre Lotterer is set to miss the weekend of the Jakarta E-Prix due to the German working with Porsche to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Because of this, Andretti have promoted test and reserve driver David Beckmann to the main seat for the 2 races which take place in Jakarta next weekend. David is no stranger to Gen3 as he drove for TAG Heuer Porsche in the Rookie Test earlier in the season and Beckmann is also a former race winner in GP3 and a podium sitter in Formula 2. On this opportunity, Beckmann said “I’m super grateful for the opportunity to step in for Andre and represent Avalanche Andretti Formula E Team in Jakarta. Formula E is an incredibly competitive championship and I’m excited to showcase my capabilities in this unique racing series. I would like to thank Michael Andretti and the team for trusting me with this responsibility. I’m going to give my best to achieve a successful outcome for everyone involved.” I’m certainly intrigued to see how the 23-year-old gets on.
Roberto Merhi to replace Oliver Rowland at Mahindra Racing for the rest of the Season
After a disappointing first half of the season, Oliver Rowland has lost his seat at Mahindra Racing to Roberto Merhi. If this is the end of Rowland in Formula E, it’s a disappointing one for the Brit as he’s a former E-Prix winner and he’s also finished on the Podium 6 times. In terms of his replacement, Roberto Merhi is probably best known for his time in Formula 1 with Manor Marussia (2015), but he’s also a podium sitter in FIA Formula 2 and WEC. Roberto also took part in the Rookie Test earlier in the season for Mahindra so he knows the team well. On his opportunity, Merhi said “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and I’m determined to make the most of it. I had a chance to drive the M9Electro at the rookie test in Berlin, but Formula E is very different to any of the other series I’ve raced in so the learning curve will be steep. But I feel ready, excited and up for the challenge.” Mahindra will certainly hope that Roberto Merhi will drive the team further up the Standings (they’re currently 10th).
