Fresh from Formula 1, Esteban Gutierrez will replace Ma Qinghua at Techeetah for the remainder of the current Formula E season, according to a report from motorsport.com’s Sam Smith.

Gutierrez announced in January that he would be entering Formula E after losing his F1 seat with Haas at the end of last year. The Mexican has also recently worked as Scuderia Ferrari’s reserve driver.

After exploring a number of options, Gutierrez has reportedly settled on joining Techeetah from April’s Mexico ePrix onwards, with the out-of-form Ma set to drop into a reserve role. Ma made his Formula E debut in Paris last year but has not scored any points in seven attempts.

Gutierrez will race in the all-electric championship for the first time at his home race in Mexico City on April 1, with Ma being stood down following a disappointing series of performances in the first three races of the season.

The Mexican driver is understood to have concluded his deal with Techeetah after visiting its simulator in Monaco, where the former Sauber and Haas F1 driver has a residence.

It remains to be seen if he will test the car before the Mexico event.

The team is expected to officially confirm Gutierrez as teammate to Jean-Eric Vergne shortly, while Ma is expected to be retained as an official reserve.

Gutierrez and his management team are understood to have settled on Techeetah after other possible opportunities, believed to be at Renault e.dams, Faraday Future Dragon Racing and DS Virgin Racing, were explored.

motorsport.com