Dragon Racing has signed a multi-year deal with GEOX as Ferrari junior Antonio Fuoco joins the American team in a reserve capacity for 2018/19 Formula E season.
Fuoco drove the Gen2 car for the newly named GEOX Dragon team in the three-day pre-season test at Valencia when he shared the car with his FIA Formula 2 Championship rival Maximilian Gunther.
With Jose Maria Lopez already confirmed, although Gunther tested with Fuoco but the German already had the upperhand to get the seat, which he did with the announcement coming earlier in the week.
Two days later, Fuoco has been named as its reserve with the signing of a title sponsor, Italy-based footwear and apparel company GEOX – as the team is also renamed as ‘GEOX Dragon’ as mentioned above.
“We are very proud and excited about GEOX joining Dragon Formula E team as title partner for the seasons to come,” said Mario Moretti Polegato, President and Founder of GEOX upon the announcement.
“GEOX has always been synonymous with the most advanced patent technologies in footwear and apparel, designed to provide superior breathability, performances, and comfort.
“The extreme conditions and requirements of Formula E motor racing will, therefore, represent the best testing ground for GEOX to experiment new breathing and performance-oriented technologies, to be eventually translated into wellbeing for everyday use products.
“As sustainability and respect for the environment are cornerstone founding values of GEOX, it was only the most natural fit to embrace Formula E, which I believe is the future of motor racing, marrying great competition, the most advanced technologies, and a global sustainable approach.”
Team boss Jay Penske added: “We are extremely excited to align ourselves with GEOX. With over 60 technological patents and a clear focus on sustainability, there are powerful synergies between GEOX and Dragon.
“We have a unique opportunity to improve the performance and comfort of our team while also raising awareness for GEOX’s ongoing work in sustainable innovation. I look forward to seeing the results of this partnership on and away from the circuit.”
GEOX’s signing has played a crucial role in the hiring of Fuoco as having an Italian driver adds more value to the brand. “I want to drive in the Formula E Championship because the level of the drivers and teams are among the highest in all of motorsport,” said Fuoco.
“Racing on the streets in the center of some of the most interesting cities in the world is also a very exciting challenge for me. I think the All-New Season 5 Formula E format is very intriguing, and the Gen2 Penske EV-3 not only looks cool but is very challenging to drive. I enjoy this challenge; it is a lot of fun.
“I hope GEOX Dragon can finish with great results this season, and I will do the maximum to help the team succeed.” Penske added: “We are very excited for Antonio to become an integral part of the organization.
“We have a lot of work to do to build on the momentum from the end of last season and are making rapid progress towards our goals. I expect Antonio’s capabilities, feedback, and intuition will help us quickly achieve these objectives, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of our efforts.”