Haberfeld to Make Racing Return in I-PACE eTROPHY

Former Champ Car driver Mario Haberfeld will make his return to motorsport after an absence of a decade later this week, competing in the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY at Ad Diriyah.

The Brazilian, who won the 1998 British Formula Three Championship, will replace Caca Bueno in the Jaguar Brazil Racing squad.

Bueno is competing in the Stock Car Brasil race at Goiania this weekend. Bueno will return as Jimenez’s teammate at the third round in Mexico City in February.

Haberfeld’s last competitive international race was the Le Mans Series event at Monza in 2009 where he drove for the Embassy Racing team.

Since that time, Haberfeld has concentrated on ecological work in his native Brazil where he has set up a business and charity that protects the countries population of indigenous Jaguars.

“When I got the invitation from the Brazilian Team, to replace Caca Bueno it was quite a surprise as I haven’t raced for over 10 years, but I’m sure it will be a really fun weekend,” said Haberfeld.

“I’m inquisitive to drive the I-PACE, as this will be my first time competing in an electric car.

“I’ve talked to Caca, in order to get some tips about the car, and I hope I will do two good races in Saudi Arabia. It will be an honour to race for the Team Brazil and be back to represent my country.”

Eaton to Race VIP Jaguar I-PACE

British driver Abbie Eaton is set to race in a VIP Jaguar I-PACE entry and will become the third female racer to compete in Saudi Arabia.

Alice Powell, who also raced in the corresponding I-PACE eTROPHY fixture in Saudi Arabia last season, returns in addition to other VIP car entrant Reema Juffali.

Twenty-seven-year-old Eaton has extensive experience in British national racing competing in the Mazda MX-5 Cup which she won in 2014 and also racing in the British GT Championship in a Maserati GT4 car.

This year she raced in the opening rounds of the Australian Super 2 Series in a Holden Commodore at Adelaide.

“I am excited to be racing in the first round of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY in Saudi,” said Eaton.

“The Riyadh track looks challenging and technical and I’ve heard fantastic things about the Jaguar I-PACE too! It’ll be a first for me racing a fully electric racing car so thank you to Jaguar Racing for the opportunity.”

It was announced last month that Eaton will compete in the 2020 W Series alongside Powell who finished third in last season’s inaugural championship.

Also on the grid at Ad Diriyah will be Simon Evans, who won the very first Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race last December.

Evans, who finished fourth in last seasons’ standings will again race for the Team Asia New Zealand squad.

“I learnt a lot last season and I can use that heading into the first round,” said Evans. “Team Brazil who were the benchmark at the second half of season one are back and they will be fast no doubt.

“The Attack Mode is a great addition to the series where strategy will be key. I will be 100% ready come lights out in Saudi.”