Esteban Gutierrez joins Formula E with Techeetah

Former Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez will join Techeetah for the remainder of the Formula E series, starting at his home race in Mexico City on April 1.

Gutierrez had announced earlier this year his interest in the burgeoning electric series, but while it was expected that he would fill a seat at Jay Penske's Dragon Racing outfit, the Mexican will race partner Jean-Eric Vergne at Techeetah.

Gutierrez replaces Ma Qing Hua whose performance to date has been disappointing. The Chinese driver will be retained as the team's official reserve however.

"I’m very grateful to join Techeetah, a team with real competitiveness," said Gutierrez.

"After four years of an incredible experience in F1, I’m now taking a step forward into the future of motorsports.

"I am especially excited about my debut race at the Mexico City ePrix. Hopefully I can put on a good show for the passionate home fans."

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The 25-year-old Gutierrez, who ran in 59 Grand Prix with Sauber and Haas between 2013 and 2016, will contest the remaining nine rounds of the FE championship before a full-time assault next season.

"We are delighted to welcome Esteban to Techeetah," siad Techeetah managing director Ivan Yim.

" We will have Esteban as prepared as possible for his home race.

"With the passionate Mexican fans awaiting us in the stadium section, the Techeetah team is highly motivated with its new driver line-up.

"This is a challenging series for drivers with its compressed one-day format, but with stability in the team, we’re ready to take this next step to further build the Techeetah team in its first season."

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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.