The 32 year-old has mostly been racing in NASCAR since he and Toro Rosso unceremoniously split mid-season back in 2007, but he only took part in two Lamborghini Super Trofeo races last year, so the move is a return of sorts to an international level. Andretti's #28 car has been held by Charles Pic, Matty Brabham and then Marco Andretti at the last race in Argentina in January. Speed has no prior race experience with the Spark-Renault Formula E spec car, but lack of experience didn’t stop Vergne from challenging immediately on his debut in Uruguay. In fact one of the more refreshing things about this series’ opening year is the more relaxed attitude towards driver lineups, that respected drivers can come in from other commitments and race in a world championship for a weekend. And Speed did briefly test the car with Andretti Autosport last summer at Donington Park, filling in for (again) Marco Andretti when needed, going fourth fastest on his second day.
Can he make the same immediate impression that Vergne did? We’ll find out as Formula E’s second two-month break ends with the Miami ePrix in less than two weeks. Above you can see a sim of the track along Biscayne Bay, running near to and around the prominent AmericanAirlines Arena.