Exclusive: Rowland to replace Heidfeld in Uruguay
Oliver Rowland will replace Nick Heidfeld in the Mahindra Formula E team for the Punta del Este ePrix later this month, Motorsport.com can exclusively reveal.
Formula Renault 3.5 champion Rowland has been drafted into the Indian team for the Uruguayan round after Heidfeld injured ligaments in his hand in the Putrajaya race last month.
On the recommendation of doctors, Heidfeld needs time to recover from his injury, but is expected to make a full recovery and be fit for the fourth round in Buenos Aires on February 6.
Rowland, who is currently taking part in the GP2 test in Abu Dhabi, will partner Bruno Senna after being chosen from a long list of possible replacements for the German ex-F1 driver.
Motorsport.com understands that Rowland was chosen because he could prove a good long-term prospect for any possible future outings in Formula E.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” Rowland told Motorsport.com. “I have to say a big thanks to Mahindra and especially Dilbagh Gill for this opportunity.
"Mahindra is obviously a very competitive proposition, as they have shown in season two so far. All of it will be new for me and massively different to what I am used to, but I am going to give it my best shot and make the most of it.”
Mahindra has so far been one of only a few teams to pose a consistent threat to early pacesetters Renault e.DAMS and ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport so far this season, and made a bright start to the campaign with Heidfeld scoring a podium position at the season-opening Beijing ePrix.
However, the German then damaged his wrist in a miraculous opposite-lock save when he lost control of his car on a crumbling track surface at Putrajaya last month, and was forced to skip the FIA WEC finale in Bahrain as a result.
“I am going out there to learn and enjoy the experience,” added Rowland. “My main aim is to pay back the faith Mahindra have shown in me.
"It will be a massive challenge: A new car, new team, new way of going racing, but I am up for it.
"It is a bonus after a great year in my career but at the same time I want to achieve something really good for myself and the team.”
Rowland will be travelling to the Campos workshops in Valencia next week to familiarise himself with the team and to undertake simulator work.
Previous article
Mahindra Debrief: How they fared in Beijing and Putrajaya
Next article
Rowland Q&A: "I want to repay the faith Mahindra has shown"
About this article
| Series | Formula E |
| Event | Punta del Este ePrix |
| Location | Streets of Punta del Este |
| Drivers | Nick Heidfeld , Oliver Rowland |
| Teams | Mahindra Racing |
| Author | Sam Smith |
Why the new Formula E season got off to such a controversial start
With the new Formula E season belatedly getting underway in Saudi Arabia, the championship appeared to try to make up for lost time with an overspill of action and controversy on and off the track. While some talking points could have serious repercussions, it was an explosive opener for many reasons.
The eight major plotlines to watch in Formula E 2021
The delayed 2020-21 Formula E season gets underway this week with a double-header in Saudi Arabia. The testing times were too close to call a favourite, but that's not the only area of interest to follow as the championship enters a crucial year
Why Formula E's 2021 season will be a crucial litmus test
As off-track politics threatens to overshadow events on it, the upcoming Formula E season is perhaps its most important since the championship's inception. And that's a shame, given that the focus should be on what promises to be its closest title fight yet.
How Mercedes and Porsche can avoid a difficult second FE album
Mercedes and Porsche compete to win and have done so across the board: in Formula 1, sportscars, the Dakar Rally and endurance road races - even working together to break land speed records. Next in the crosshairs is the Formula E teams' championship crown.
What Formula E must do for McLaren to act on its attraction
News that McLaren is formally considering a Formula E move is a much-needed boost for a series that took some punches at the end of 2020. But to allay any doubts that Zak Brown may have, FE must take action on its biggest potential stumbling block
Why BMW and Audi have pulled the plug on Formula E
BMW and Audi shocked the Formula E fraternity by announcing their departures at the end of the 2020-21 season. Overnight, the championship has been dealt something of a "wake-up call" - including questions about its relevance to manufacturers.
What we learned from Formula E's Valencia test
There was no shortage of intrigue surrounding Formula E's pre-season test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, dominated by talk of Audi's impending exit. But it still served to whet appetites for the start of another competitive season in January
The logic behind Audi’s surprise change of course
OPINION: Audi announcing its imminent Formula E departure on the eve of its first season with world championship status might come as something of a shock. But while it doesn't equate to a rejection of VW's electrification push, there is reason to it...
