SAO PAULO, Brazil – Barbadian racing sensation Zane Maloney will kick off his ABB FIA Formula E World Championship when season 11 gets underway at the Anhembi Sambadrome here on Saturday.
Zane MaloneyThe event marks Brazil’s debut as the Formula E season opener and Maloney’s debut in Formula E with ABT Lola-Yamaha. after the 19-year-old hung up his gloves in Formula 2.
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, Formula E is a world championship. I think in a lot of people’s eyes, it’s a step away from F1 or a step down from F2 or whatever, but it’s really not.
“I mean, there’s a lot more talented drivers in the world right now, I can tell you that, than there is racing seats. So, the opportunities you get, you take, and this was an amazing opportunity that I grabbed with both hands straight away,” Maloney said.
“And if I didn’t take this opportunity, I’d be sitting down in Abu Dhabi not knowing what I’m doing next year, so I think to get that security in a career, a professional career, was important for me.
“And I always say it doesn’t close any doors for the future. Yeah, I’m looking at right now and kind of performing formally and working with the team as much as I can,” he added.
While Maloney may have an understanding of the paddock and the workings of a Formula E team, he is ready for the opportunity and the learning process it may provide.
“I’m very excited. It’s been a busy few weeks for me with F2 as well, so everything has come by very fast, but I’m looking forward to the new challenge.
“Of course, it’s a new manufacturer, a new team, so we don’t know what to expect. We’ll see Round One and we’ll see this weekend, but the main goal is to just continue moving forward through the season,” Maloney said.
“So, the pressure is a bit off us, but I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I’ll be trying to perform.”
