Recently confirmed Super Formula driver Zak O’Sullivan will compete in the extra rookie free practice session at Jeddah next month for the Envision Racing team.
The British driver, who Formula E Notebook tipped for a seat in the session earlier this week, was confirmed by the team for the test as well as a full-time role as a simulator driver.
Although not yet confirmed for the Berlin rookie test day in July, O’Sullivan is thought likely to also take part in that event as it falls between his Super Formula commitments in Japan.
Speaking to FEN, O’Sullivan said that Formula E was “an interesting series, and I think, a very unique one, one of a kind.
“It’s an attractive career route, and I think the success of Taylor (Barnard) and Zane (Maloney) is nice to see because it shows the route from F2 is a viable one.
“I’ve always been an interest in the championship as I think provides a different challenge to anything else really available to race.”
O’Sullivan will prepare for his 40-minute free practice session on Thursday 13th February with preparatory sim sessions and says that “the main goal for me in Jeddah is to learn as much as possible. That’s the main focus for me.
“It is my first time in a Formula E car, and, in fact, in a car without an (ICE) engine, which will be interesting. So, I ant learn as much as possible. And of course, it’s the first session on track as well for the team, so we’ll be running through as many systems as we can, and hopefully given some information for the upcoming race weekend.”
The 19 year old scored wins in F2 last season at Spa and Monaco but had to curtail his deal with ART Grand Prix due to budget difficulties. He then tested for the Kondo Racing team at Suzuka in December before completing a deal to race with the team founded and run by pop star turned racer Masahiko Kondo.
Speaking about the decision to employ O’Sullivan as a sim and test driver, Envision managing director and CTO, Sylvain Filippi, said that he was “thrilled to have Zak joining the team and drive in the first rookie session of the year.
“We have been very impressed with his results to date and look forward to watching how he adapts to Formula E and integrates within our team.”
