Mercedes debuts new Formula E Silver Arrow

©Mercedes

Mercedes has track tested its new EQ Silver Arrow 01, the car that the German manufacturer will field in season six of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

Stoffel Vandoorne and Venturi's Edoardo Mortara shook down the electric racer at Varano, Italy, with the pair covering 527 kilometers as Mercedes gathered extensive data on the new car and its electric drive-train.

"When a new racing car comes to life for the first time and goes out onto the track, that's always a very special moment," said Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff.

"Not only have we reached an important milestone for our as yet young team, but we have also laid a solid foundation for further development.

"But there is still a lot of work to do before our race debut when the next season starts towards the end of this year."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.