Formula E: Mahindra complete first shakedown of their car

Bruno Senna

Donington (England), June 5 (IANS): The Mahindra Formula E team completed a successful shakedown of the team's new car at a wet Donington Park here.

Taking part in the first ever shakedown for the 10 teams, Mahindra Racing drivers Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok completed various system checks on Wednesday.

Both drivers completed their seat fits Tuesday with their mechanics making the seats and adjusting pedal positions to suit them. With only one car delivered to each team, Senna and Chandhok shared the machine - named via a fan competition as Mahindra Nitro - throughout the day.

Senna was first to take to the track, pulling out onto a wet circuit in the fully liveried Mahindra Nitro. After a few technical issues, the car was able to complete a number of laps, allowing the team to check the battery and recharging systems.

Chandhok drove the afternoon session, completing two separate runs to add to the team's knowledge of the fully electric machine.

"It was an interesting day. Driving a new car is always exciting but driving something so different made it really intriguing. It was very much a systems check and day gathering information on the motor and battery but also a chance for drivers to get a first impression," said Chandhok.

"It's clear this is going to be a category that is about strategy and intelligence rather than just pure driving speed. With the energy recovery systems and battery life, you will have to think about strategy all the time. I think the fans are going to be impressed when they see all the cars on track."

The duo will be back on track for the first full Formula E test here July 3-4.