Jaguar racing mechanic fired after saying ‘cyclists should be run over’ in online outcry

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Formula E mechanic Charlie Forkner is stepping down from his role at Jaguar TCS Racing Team after saying cyclists not using bike lanes should be shut down and “beefed up”.

A race mechanic was fired for a rude call to run over cyclists.

The comments appeared on the Facebook account of Charlie Forkner, senior mechanic at Formula E team Jaguar TCS Racing, under a police safety poster.

It read: ‘If there is a bike lane and they are not using it, no one should pull them off the road. They should be run [sic] over on the street, dragged onto the path and ***ed by everyone!

“I’ve ridden both mountain bikes and road bikes, both on bike paths if possible. No apology.”

Jaguar said Mr Forkner, who assembled cars for New Zealand racing ace Mitch Evans, was “no longer associated with the team”.

A spokesman said: “Jaguar TCS Racing takes violations of our social media guidelines very seriously. We do not tolerate this behavior in our team.”

The rant, which was deleted but not before screenshots were shared on social media, added: “If your bike isn’t capable of going up and down dropped curbs [sic] no damage, use the wrong bike.”

Mr Forkner was described on a motorsport website as “an integral part of Jaguar Racing who defied all odds to pursue his passion and work in motorsport”.