©Venturi
Former DTM racer and Williams test and development driver Susie Wolff has been named team principal of the Venturi Formula E team.
The 35-year-old, who is also the wife of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, has also acquired a stake in the Monaco-based outfit founded by Gildo Pastor that will field Felipe Massa in the series 2018-19 season.
“When I decided to stop as a professional driver in 2015, I knew that I wanted to continue with the challenge of competitive racing, just not behind the wheel,” said Wolff.
“You can’t just switch off your competitive instincts when you stop driving and that determination and desire to achieve still burn brightly inside me.
“I took time to carefully decide the right direction for that challenge and I have now found the perfect next step, with the opportunity to become both a shareholder and team principal of Venturi Formula E team.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Gildo [Pastor, Venturi CEO and founder], who is rightly recognised as a pioneer in electric automobiles and who saw the potential of the series from the very beginning," added Wolff.
“He has built a strong team that has earned its place on the Formula E grid and features many talented people who I’m excited to work with.
“Formula E is the perfect environment for this step into team management: it is full of potential, breaking the mould for traditional racing series, and the series is enjoying an exciting phase of expansion at the moment.”
Gildo Pastor said Wolff's expertise and commitment as a shareholder will help the team with its upcoming expansion plans.
“I am delighted to welcome Susie on board as team principal and shareholder,” said the Monegasque entrepreneur.
“Her energy and expertise will help us to grow by strengthening the team and introducing a new approach to management.
“Thanks to her personal experience, Susie takes a unique strategic view of the team, the championship and motor racing in general. She will certainly lead the Venturi Formula E team to the top.
“Her desire to become a shareholder illustrates an unwavering commitment, which warms my heart. Venturi and the Venturi Formula E Team are proud to welcome Susie at a key moment in the history of the group.”
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