What's all this about?

Do not adjust your phone/laptop/whatever you're reading this on. Jaguar is going racing its new I-Pace SUV. Bonkers, isn't it?

Sure is. What on earth is Jaguar thinking?

Hold your cynicism for a second, and look at the bigger picture. Formula E is currently one of the fastest-growing motorsports, with many manufacturers already racing or planning entries for the near future. Jaguar is one such brand, and has recognised that one-make support categories are ideal platforms to advertise new vehicles. Ergo, racing I-Paces competing as part of the bill in Formula E events.

Ah... Who will drive the things?

Details are thin on the ground at the moment, but the package is a fully-tailored arrive-and-drive setup, with everything from logistics to race suits provided by the organisers (for a price, of course). The intention is to have a grid of 20 SVO-prepared I-Paces racing from late 2018 onwards, SVO being Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations skunkworks in Warwickshire. One VIP driver space will be allotted per event, which are due to take place in cities like Hong Kong, Sao Paulo and Paris during Formula E race weekends.

Will the racing be competitive?

You bet, although the city-based tracks are bound to be a tight fit for the big Jags, guaranteeing plenty of thrills and spills during the 30-minute events. There's a definite road car link too, as Jaguar Racing boss Gerd Mauser explained: "We've always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track - this is the proof. I am looking forward to seeing a full grid of Jaguar I-Pace race cars in late 2018, soon after the first Jaguar I-Pace hits the road in Europe. Ultimately this innovative series will enhance the technology in our future electric vehicles and benefit our customers."

Maurice Malone - 12 Sep 2017