Jose Maria Lopez has joined defending champion Sebastien Buemi in outlining World Endurance Championship commitments as his priority over the FIA Formula E Championship, meaning he will miss the New York ePrix if both calendars remain the same.
Lopez is a new addition to the Toyota WEC team and is set to become the new team-mates of Kamui Kobayashi and former Formula E driver Mike Conway in the endurance championship, replacing Stephane Sarrazin in the No. 8 TS050 Hybrid.
“The only race we’re going to have some problems where there is going to be a clash for the moment if they don’t find a solution is New York and Nürburgring,” Lopez said to NBC Sports
“My priority is Toyota LMP1 this year. I’m going to be racing for sure in the Nürburgring if there is a clash.
“It’s been a dream for me to become an LMP1 driver and race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans especially and the WEC. I’m really looking forward to the first race and first testing.
“My idea is to learn as much as I can and get on a good level with my teammates and get a good season.”
Lopez and Buemi are one of a number of drivers affected by this calendar clash between the New York ePrix and 6 Hours of Nürburgring, and if nothing is changed the grid could look very different for the doubleheader around the streets of New York in July.
