Official: Mitch Evans joins Opel Formula E works team after 10 years with Jaguar

It is finally official: Mitch Evans is joining Opel's new Formula E works team after ten years with Jaguar. The German manufacturer confirmed on Tuesday morning that the New Zealander has signed a multi-year contract. Evans will form Opel GSE Formula E Team's driver line-up for the Gen4 era alongside Theo Pourchaire.

With the signing of Mitch Evans, Opel's driver line-up is now complete. Opel had already announced Theo Pourchaire as its first race driver for the Gen4 era ahead of the season finale in London. Sophia Flörsch completes the line-up as test and development driver.

Evans made his first official appearance in Opel colours just one day before the announcement in Austria. The New Zealander was a surprise guest at the international media drive of the new all-electric Opel Corsa GSE, where e-Formula.news was also on site and had the opportunity to speak with him.

Evans: "Opel is here to win"

"I am proud to be an Opel works driver and to be part of this new chapter in Formula E. It's great that we can finally make this step official," says Evans. "After ten years with a manufacturer, it was time for me to take on a fresh challenge. The leap to the Gen4 cars represents the perfect moment to start something new."

"I immediately felt how much energy and passion Opel is putting into the Formula E project. The team isn't just coming into the series to compete: Opel is here to win, and that's exactly what I aspire to," Evans adds.

Opel: "Evans was the preferred candidate"

For Opel, Evans was the preferred candidate for the second seat from an early stage. "We have secured our dream team. Mitch Evans was the preferred candidate for our Opel GSE Formula E Team from the very beginning. His commitment once again underlines the seriousness of the entire project," says Opel Motorsport Director and Team Principal Jörg Schrott.

"We have already met Mitch on and off the racetrack. In addition to his undisputed exceptional sporting pedigree, he also fits perfectly into our team as a person. In doing so, we are sending a clear message: We are joining the World Championship to challenge at the front."

Evans' Jaguar era ends after 10 years

The move means Evans is leaving the team he has represented throughout his entire Formula E career. The New Zealander entered the championship together with Jaguar in 2016 and has contested every one of his Formula E races for the British manufacturer. His switch to Opel therefore marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter as Formula E enters the Gen4 era.

Evans is one of the most successful drivers in Formula E history. In 142 races, the New Zealander has taken 16 victories, a championship record. He has also scored 38 podium finishes, eleven pole positions and 1,159 points, all with Jaguar. In four of the past five seasons, Evans finished inside the top three in the Drivers' Championship, twice as runner-up and twice in third place.