Porsche shakes down new Formula E charger at Weissach!

©Porsche

Porsche rolled out its ABB FIA Formula E development car at Weissach on Tuesday, with works driver Neel Jani at the wheel, as the manufacturer begins its preparations for the 2019/20 season.

The all-electric FE Gen2 charger enjoyed an incident-free maiden run according to a statement released by Porsche.

"The newly developed Porsche powertrain for Formula E completed its baptism of fire," Porsche Motorsport vice president Fritz Enzinger.

"It is an important day for everyone involved in this project.

"Many thanks to everyone who has poured their heart and soul into the construction of the powertrain and car in recent months and made this successful rollout possible.

"We still have a lot of work to do on the road to our works entry in Formula E, but an important initial step has been taken.

"Now we will be fully focused as we continue to work on familiarising ourselves with the particular challenges of Formula E."

©Porsche

Neel Jani, who enjoyed a successful career with Porsche in LMP1, winning Le Mans with the German squad in 2016, was equally delighted with his new electric ride.

"I am very proud to have been behind the wheel the first time our Formula E racing car was driven," said the 35-year-old Swiss driver who will be included in Porsche's FE line-up next season.

"Being allowed to drive the rollout is not only a great honour, it is also very exciting.

"We're breaking new ground. It was a fantastic feeling for me. Everyone in the team feels it: The project is really gaining momentum now.

"We didn't push it to the limit during the rollout, but the powertrain and the car made a very good first impression overall.

"I can't wait to get back to testing."

Per FIA and Formula E testing rules, Porsche is allowed 15 days of private testing ahead of its debut in the series' sixth season.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter