Formula E: Trulli set to take over Drayson entry

Former grand prix driver Jarno Trulli is involved in a new team bidding to join the grid for the inaugural Formula E Championship this winter.

Trulli is part of an Italian group led by former Maserati and Ferrari GT boss Claudio Berro that is in the process of taking over the Drayson Racing entry. The team took part in this week's shakedown test of the first batch of Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E racers with former Indy Lights champion Jean-Karl Vernay driving its car.

The group's plans to take Drayson's place on the Formula E grid are understood to be at an advanced stage and confirmation is expected early next week should the FIA approve the change to the entry list.

Trulli, who joined the Formula E drivers' club initiative in March, tried one of the all-electric Spark-Renaults at French test circuit La Ferte Gaucher. He has yet to decide whether he will be one of the drivers, but it appears certain that the team will bear his name.

Neither Berro nor Formula E was available for comment.

It is unclear why the Drayson team, led by former British Government minister Lord Paul Drayson, is not pushing ahead with its entry. Nine teams, including the proposed Trulli squad, ran at the shakedown at Donington. The Dragon team, run by Jay Penske, did not take part for reasons that were not disclosed.