The Venturi Formula E team has retained the services of both Arthur Leclerc and Norman Nato as the team’s test and reserve driver for 2019/20 season.
Ahead of this weekend’s first Formula E race in Saudi Arabia, Venturi announced the retention of Leclerc and Nato as its test and reserve drivers to assist the team in its development alongside regular drivers Felipe Massa and Edoardo Mortara.
The duo joined Venturi at the start of the 2018/19 season and continued to work for Venturi alongside their other commitments, which will continue on. “I am very happy to continue my journey with Venturi,” said Leclerc, who is Charles’ younger brother.
“This role as a development driver is an evolution from last season, which gives me particular pleasure. My first year with them was very rewarding. Every minute spent in the simulator has been valuable in terms of learning.
“As for the work on the track, it was also very interesting. In both cases, I discovered the many specificities of the discipline, which was very instructive. I will do my best to help the team to make our Monegasque anthem resound on the Formula E podiums.”
Meanwhile, senior pro Nato, added: “I am very happy to continue with the team. We had a good first year together. We have done well, we have improved, but there are still areas where we need to improve.
“We will benefit together from this first year of experience and build on our solid foundations. It will be a very interesting year, whether in the simulator or on the track during the tests in Marrakesh.”
And finally, team principal Susie Wolff stated: “It was a straightforward decision to retain Nato and Leclerc as our Reserve and Test drivers for the coming season. Both provided valuable feedback during the Marrakesh test and also in the simulator, which has played an important role in our Season 6 preparations.
“Norman continues to prove his ability with some strong performances in WEC, while the maiden F4 campaign for Leclerc yielded some impressive results. Norman and Arthur have become an important part of the team and this extension of our working relationship is a well-deserved recognition of their ongoing contribution.”
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