Fabio Leimer replaces Jaime Alguersuari at Formula E finale in London
Fabio Leimer, 2013 GP2 Champion and current Manor F1 Team reserve driver, will make his Formula E debut in the Visa London ePrix on June 27 as a replacement for Jaime Alguersuari in Virgin Racing Formula E Team.
Virgin still has a mathematical chance of clinching the drivers’ title with Sam Bird, and is in a tight three-way battle for fourth place in the teams’ championship together with Dragon Racing and Andretti. Leimer has experience of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, having driven for Amlin Aguri during pre-season testing at Donington.
“As a racing driver, I love a challenge and so joining Virgin Racing for the Visa London ePrix will be a great test. It’s going to be an incredible and unique experience racing on the London street circuit and an even more special occasion racing for a new team in their home race. I’m looking forward to racing alongside Sam and hopefully contributing to a successful season finale for the team,” Fabio Leimer said.
A reason of Leimer-Alguersuari replacement is a doctor’s ban for Spanish racer due to health concerns after he fainted following the Moscow ePrix.
Here is a official statement:
“On June 6th, after the Moscow ePrix, I suffered a faint as a result of dehydration and extreme exhaustion during the race. As a consequence of this, I had some medical tests done, with successful results, and at the moment my license is temporarily suspended until the FIA makes sure that I’m fully able to carry on with my sporting career. My health is safe, and I’m in shape, and I’m absolutely convinced I can compete this weekend, but for security reasons we need to delve into medical research. For this reason, together with Virgin Racing, the FIA and the doctors we’ve decided not to take part in the London ePrix this weekend. It’s a shame because it will be the last ePrix of the season and I wanted to race in front of our fans, but we must be respectful with the FIA’s procedures. I want to wish all the luck to my team Virgin Racing in the last ePrix of the 2014/15 Formula E season.”
