There’s less than one month now until Formula E charges into a brave new world. The first event on the 10 race calendar takes place in Beijing on 13 September and this new promo is how organisers hope to attract interest in the new category.
Tag: Formula E
The first Formula E race takes place in Beijing in just under two months (13 September) and last weekend we got our first taste of what a full grid of electric open wheel racecars will look and sound like.
Donington Park in the UK was the location for four days of testing and Sebastien Buemi from e.dams Renault team set the fastest lap. Just one more day of testing in mid-August remains before the championship kicks off in China.
After the break you’ll see a series of videos from the Donington test. Some of the names taking to the track are well known, with a host of former F1 drivers on the grid.
If the cars can actually handle the rigours of racing Formula E could be a very interesting series to follow. There will be a novelty factor to overcome, the cars do sound a bit daft, inasmuch as they don’t sound anything like a racing car in terms of what we know and understand. But that’s precisely what makes the potential of Formula E so great.
It could be awesome, or it could be a total flop!
The Formula E Spark-Renault SRT 01E made its “dynamic public appearance” on the streets of Las Vegas earlier this week. It was all part of the events held around the Consumer Electronics Show. All we can say is, based on these photos and supplied video, that it was a totally underwhelming experience.
Things will have to get a little bit more exciting if this new and visionary category, which we hope will succeed, is going to capture the attention of motor racing fans.
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Quick reference guide to Formula E
So what is this Formula E category the FIA is introducing next year? In simple terms it will commence as a one-make category consisting of 10 teams, with two drivers each, racing on 10 city street circuits around the globe.
The point of difference is the car being used, the Spark-Renault SRT 01E, runs solely on electric power. Formula E lays claim to being the first global zero emissions series ratified and supported by the FIA.
Having recently had its first proper test run the Spark-Renault SRT 01E has been supported by many leading names from the motorsport world. Design and assembly has been carried out by Spark Racing Technology and Renault is responsible for the electric drivetrain. Behind the scenes McLaren Electronic Systems has played a role in development and assembly of the powertrain, along with the electronic controls. Williams Advanced Engineering did the battery design while Dallara is responsible for the chassis.
As an open formula, teams will be able to design and manufacture their own cars. Although the control car will be used for the category’s debut season.
Former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi is the Formula E test driver and after last month’s he said: “I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car—it has quite a lot of grip and the electric motor produces huge torque.”
Nine of the 10 teams have been announced, with Virgin signing on earlier today. Other teams include Andretti Autosport, Audi Sport ABT, Drayson Racing and Super Aguri. At this stage driver no announcements have been made.
Motorsport’s first all-electric open wheel formula will have a few quirks. Namely, peak power is capped to 200kW, although during races the cars will be limited to 133kW, with the full power in short bursts available in a push to pass mode. Highlighting the limitations of the current technology drivers will have to pit twice during each race, which lasts for one hour, in order to change cars. Yes, change cars!
During practice and qualifying the cars, which weigh 800kg including the driver, will have the full 200kW available to them. Qualifying will consist of just two timed laps per driver.
We expect the category will have to endure a few issues during its infancy. We’re also keen to see how the general public accept Formula E, anticipating the step from curious novelty to bona fide racing category will be a difficult one.
More info on Formula E can be read after the break, with a reminder the series will debut in Beijing next September.
UPDATE 8 January 2014: A link has been added below for the tenth and final team, the Venturi Formula E Team. A Monaco-based outfit boasting none other than Leonardo Di Caprio as one of its founders.
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2014/15 Formula E calendar confirmed
In September we’ll be transported to a new era of motorsport when the Formula E championship begins in Beijing. In its inaugural year, which will run across 2014 and 2015, Formula E will host 10 races across four continents.
All races will be held on a Saturday, rather than the traditional Sunday as we’re familiar with in F1 and so on.
It’s also interesting to note the locations, which includes three races in South America and on both the east and west coast of the United States. The timing of the Monaco race in 2015 is also noteworthy, likely to be just a few weeks prior to the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Similarly, a week after Sao Paulo hosts its Formula 1 Grand Prix in early November, Rio de Janeiro will host its first Formula E race.
We’ll bring you up to speed on the cars and teams soon, but for now you can find out more at the official Formula E website.
In 12 months the FIA will launch its Formula E racing series. For the first season, at least, this Spark-Renault SRT 01E racecar will be the only car you’ll see in action.
An assortment of 10 teams, with two drivers each, will compete in races held across 10 cities spanning four continents. The inaugural season is scheduled to run from September 2014 through to June 2015.
The Spark-Renault SRT 01E has been supported by many leading names from the motorsport world. Design and assembly has been carried out by Spark Racing Technology and Renault is responsible for the electric drivetrain. Behind the scenes McLaren Electronic Systems has played a role in development and assembly of the powertrain, along with the electronic controls. Williams Advanced Engineering did the battery design while Dallara is responsible for the chassis.
Peak power is capped to 200kW, although during races the cars will be limited to 133kW, with the full power in short bursts available in a push to pass mode. Highlighting the limitations of the current technology drivers will have to pit twice during each race, which lasts for one hour, in order to change cars. Yes, change cars!
During practice and qualifying the cars, which weigh 800kg including the driver, will have the full 200kW available to them. Qualifying will consist of just two timed laps per driver.
While wishing the FIA all the best with this Formula E, we’re expecting it to have quite a few teething problems while the series matures.