Wolff announced as Venturi Team Principal

Susie Wolff has been named shareholder and Team Principal for the Venturi Formula E team, with a view to leading the squad’s preparations for season five.

The former Formula 1 test driver has been present at a number of E-Prix this season and will now take on an active role within the championship following her recruitment, the second major signing for Venturi after the announcement that Felipe Massa will drive for the team in season five.

The team has also looked to strengthen its position in the championship following an agreement with future team HWA to act as powertrain supplier and also with the creation of the Venturi Driver Academy, aimed at finding the next electric superstars.

Wolff will head up the team in this aim as she looks for the thrill of competitive racing despite having called time on her own career behind the wheel.

“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.”

Venturi CEO and Founder Gildo Pastor brought Wolff on board as part of what Venturi describes as “a strategic plan to expand and strengthen the team” and welcomed the Scot to the team with open arms.

“I am delighted to welcome Susie on board as Team Principal and shareholder,” said Pastor. “Her energy and expertise will help us to grow by strengthening the team and introducing a new approach to management.

“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.”

Wolff added: “I’m really looking forward to working with Gildo, who is rightly recognised as a pioneer in electric automobiles and who saw the potential of the series from the very beginning. 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. I can’t wait to begin this next chapter in my racing career and to tackle all of the challenges ahead.”