Jordan's Track Talk

Category: Formula E

  • Van der Linde to step in for Frijns

    Kelvin van der Linde will be making his debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Diriyah, with the 26 year-old set to replace Robin Frijns as the Dutchman begins his recovery from an injury to his hand.

    Frijns suffered fractures to his left hand in a collision on the first lap of the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix and underwent surgery that same evening in Mexico.

    Since the decision, van der Linde, who also lives in Kempten, has spent every day from morning until late evening at ABT, on data analysis and countless hours in the simulator.

    The South African competed for ABT in DTM in 2021 and 2022 and was a title contender right up to the finale in his debut season.

    He first got a taste of Formula E, at the 2020 rookie test in Marrakesh and is supporting ABT Cupra in simulator preparation this season too.

    Kelvin has been part of the ABT family for years in a variety of roles. He has been involved since the beginning of our comeback project and was intended as Reserve Driver right from the start – so it was immediately clear to us that he would take over from Robin. We are in constant contact with Robin and wish him a speedy recovery. Even though everyone in the team misses him a lot, we’re giving him all the time he needs to fully recover from the injury – that’s our absolute priority. The task and challenge for Kelvin to start in a World Championship without any testing is of course gigantic but he is highly motivated, works hard and the whole team will support him without any pressure.

    Thomas Biermaier, Team Boss.

    To compete in Formula E is a dream of mine – but of course I wanted the circumstances of my debut to be different. I’m very sorry for Robin and I hope he’ll be fit again quickly. I am happy about the trust and the challenge. Now I have a few long days ahead of me and then I will do my best to stand in for Robin as well as possible.

    Kelvin van der Linde, on him stepping in.

  • Round 1- Mexico City E-Prix

    Round 1 is now complete, lets take a look at all the action from our first ever Gen3 race and first round of Season 9.

    FP1-

    There was no hanging about in the first session of Mexico City E-Prix, as all 22 drivers got a chance to lock in laps in their all-new cars…

    With only pre-season testing under their belts the half an hour session, proved extremely valuable for the drivers. Teams will be keen to compare the data from the first practice session to pre-season testing in Valenica.

    Rast saved a big spin in the final moments of the session but was left with damage to his rear-left wheel and suspension. Several drivers, including reigning champion, Stoffel Vandoorne complained of issues with their rear axels locking at certain points around the 19 turn circuit.

    But it was Jean-Eric Vergne who topped the timesheets with a 1m 13.294s, with rookie Jake Hughes following him closely in 2nd and Sergio Sette Camara rounds out the top 3.

    FP2-

    The early morning session, brought a very cold track and air temperature at just six degrees celsius; which is highly unusual conditions for a Formula E race weekend, but it brought a new challenge for the Gen3 cars and Hankook tyres.

    The top 18 drivers were split by just a second, with only 0.865s diving Wherlein at the top of the timesheets and McLaren’s Rene Rast in 17th.

    As seen in FP1, drivers were still finding the limits of their new cars. A handful of drivers were still going straight on at Turn 1.

    But it was Pascal Wehrlein who took the top spot with a 1:13.496, JEV continues his run of good form as he finished second and then Sergio Sette Camara makes it two top 3 finishes as well as he rounded out the top 3.

    Qualifying-

    Mahindra Racing’s Lucas di Grassi strode to Julius Baer Pole Position for the Mexico City E-Prix taking advantage of Jake Dennis’ slip in the final.

    Both Di Grassi and Dennis were fighting hard to keep their cars in check over what set out looking like a scruffy final effort for both drivers. Ultimately, Dennis did fall foul, with a real deep dive into the hairpin at Turn 5 costing him.

    Rookie, Jake Hughes impressed once again with the NEOM McLaren driver winding up third on the grid after bypassing Dan Tickum in a sharp looking NIO 333 in the quarters, the latter lining up fifth. Fellow rookie, Sacha Fenestraz fired his Nissan into eighth after also making the duels.

    Neither DS Penske or Maserati could count a driver in the duels – massive turn around given their benchmark pace in testing. That meant reigning champion, Vandoorne would settle for 14th on the grid with it all to do.

    Round 1-

    Dennis soaked in the adulation of the Foro Sol and the packed grandstands watching on, with ultra-passionate Mexican fans here to be a part of the first race of Formula E’s latest generational leap.

    The Andretti driver made what would be the race-winning move on lap 12. From there, Dennis stretched his legs through three safety car periods, he was able to run away with lead – eventually heading home Wehrlein by a huge seven seconds. Wehrlein produced a storming driver, as last year’s winner pulled out an eventual 11 second margin on third place di Grassi.

    Robin Frijns was one driver who didn’t make it through the first few turns of the race which brought out an early safety car. As he went into the back of Norman Nato’s Nissan at Turn 9, with the ABT driver breaking his wrist.

    One lap after the restart, Sam Bird then grounded to a halt with another technical issue on the inside of Turn 2.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Dennis, P2: Wehrlein, P3: Di Grassi, P4: Lotterer, P5: Hughes, P6: Buemi, P7: Da Costa, P8: Evans, P9: Cassidy and P10: Vandoorne.

    We are back racing in just under two weeks for a double header of night races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on the 27th & 28th January.

  • Mexico City Preview

    The season opener is finally here as we head to Mexico for Round 1 of Season 9; the 2023 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix, where we are jumping into the Gen3 era!

    Mexico has always been a mainstay on the Formula E calendar, since its initial appearance. With the first race taking place in Season 2, Mexico City has been on the calendar every season since apart from Season (with Puebla filling the gap).

    The 19 turn, 2.630km circuit is a perfect mix of long, fast straights and a technical infield section that passes right through the legendary Foro Sol stadium – housing tens of thousands of fans.

    With race-ready surface and long corners, Mexico City is not only of the fastest tracks on the calendar but its also the highest at 2,250m above sea level.

    The Mexico City E-Prix will be running on a new track layout with a chicane being added after Turn 8, down the back straight. The 19 turn layout will be the fourth different configuration across the seven Mexico City E-Prix.

    Last years visit to Mexico saw Pascal Wehrlein claim his maiden Formula E victory, with the German leading home Andre Lotterer for a Porsche 1-2.

    The last three Julius Baer Pole Positions in Mexico City have been claimed by German drivers, however pole position isn’t always the spot to be in Mexico, with three of the six pole sitters having failed to make it to the chequered flag.

    Weekend Schedule-

    Friday 13th January-

    • Free Practice 1- 22:30pm – 23:00pm (GMT)

    Saturday 14th January-

    • Free Practice 2- 13:30pm – 14:00pm (GMT)
    • Qualifying- 15:40pm – 16:55pm
    • Race- 20:03pm – 21:00pm

  • TAG Heuer Porsche announce test & reserve drivers

    David Beckmann has joined the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team as its Test and Reserve driver for Season 9, whilst Simona de Silvestro also makes a return in the role.

    Beckmann contested the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2022 and was Test and Reserve Driver for Avalanche Andretti through Season 8, which will be using Porsche powertrains as a customer outfit in 2022/23.

    He will retain his role this season and Porsche’s factory Formula E squad can now also draw on his expertise.

    We’re delighted that David will be joining our TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team as a test and reserve driver. He has spent a considerable part of his young career in single-seaters and has also gained Formula E experience with Avalanche Andretti. We’re excited to benefit from his input and expertise.

    Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport.

    Beckmann’s colleague Simona de Silvestro joined Porsche in 2019 and will continue as a Test and Reserve driver in Season 9.

    Throughout her career, the Swiss driver has competed in numerous international racing series. After claiming her first single-seater successes in Europe, she then moved to the USA at the age of 18, where she ended up in the IndyCar Series via Formula BMW and Formula Toyota Atlantic.

    Simona de Silvestro has also contested Formula E, driving for Michael Andretti’s team in the 2015/2016 season. In 2014, she was part of Sauber’s Formula 1 team.

  • Turvey joins DS Penske

    DS Penske have announced that Oliver Turvey would be staying in Formula E as a Reserve Driver and Sporting Advisor, having left long-time team NIO 333 at the end of Season 8.

    Turvey, one of the most experienced heads in Formula E, with 90 races under his belt which places him in sixth on the all time table for entries, will join double champion Jean-Eric Vergne and reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne in pushing the team forward.

    Having been around from Gen1 and Season 1 all the way through to Gen3, Turvey brings immense experience to the table and the team feels he adds considerable weight and know-how to an already strong line-up.

    Oliver not only brings incredible credentials to the team, but an acute racing intellect. He has all the qualities we were looking for with this role. He is experienced and has demonstrated his racecraft throughout the last seasons. We look forward to working with Oliver in Season 9 and beyond.

    Jay Penske, owner and team principal.

    I am delighted to be joining DS Penske as Reserve Driver and Sporting Advisor. It is a real privilege to join a championship-winning team and one of the most successful manufacturers in Formula E history. I am looking forward to working closely with both JEV, Stoffel, and the whole team, using my experience in the series to help them challenge for another championship at the beginning of the Gen3 era.

    Turvey on his new role.

  • Portland added to Season 9 calendar

    The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to race for the first time in Portland, Oregon on 24th June next year, following approval at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting.

    Portland will host Round 12 of the updated Season 9 calendar of 16 races in 11 cities, which also includes championship debuts in Hyderabad, India; Cape Town, South Africa and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    Formula E has raced in the USA every year since Season 1 in 2015, with the exception of COVID-hit Season 6 in 2020. Long Beach, Miami and New York City have previously hosted races.

    Fans attending the race in Portland will see the USA debut of the Gen3 race car. New for Season 9, the Gen3 is the third generation of race car in Formula E and the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built.

    The updated Season 9 calendar reflects the removal of an event previously shown as TBD in May 2023 and means the race programme is complete, subject to FIA circuit homologation of new venues.

    We are excited to bring the premier electric motorsport world championship to Portland for the first time in June next year. There is a big, passionate fanbase for professional sports in the city, together with strong ecological credentials which makes Portland a perfect host for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The USA remains an important market for Formula E. We are delighted to maintain that critical presence and engage a new audience in the Pacific Northwest region in all-electric motorsport.

    Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer.

  • Daruvala joins Mahindra Racing

    Mahindra Racing has added single-seater racer, Jehan Daruvala to the team’s roster as its Reserve Driver for Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    The 24 year old is the first and only Indian Formula 2 race winner and has recently completed three Formula 1 tests with McLaren. Having won four Formula 2 races, and being a multiple time podium sitter, Daruvala has built on a swift rise up the junior formula ladder after stepping up to Formula 3 in 2019, where he achieved two wins and finished third in his rookie season.

    Daruvala was then promoted to Formula 2 and in 2021, he came third in the F3 Asian Championship, racing for Indian outfit Mumbai Falcons, where he took three race wins and a further five podiums, as well as three pole positions and fastest laps.

    Daruvala will be pending his time at the team’s Banbury HQ, working on the simulator alongside engineers, proving car development and race support for drivers Lucas Di Grassi and Oliver Rowland. There are also plans for him to attend some races, including the team’s inaugural home E-Prix in Hyderabad.

    To be a part of an Indian motorsport team is a dream come true. Formula E is very competitive, and I am really excited about this new chapter of my career. Season 9 promises to be very exciting with the all-new Gen 3 car and I am looking forward to learning and contributing, especially to car development and supporting the team. Mahindra Racing’s pioneering efforts in promoting sustainability globally are commendable and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

    Daruvala on his new role.

    We are delighted to welcome Jehan to our team. As a founding member, Mahindra Racing has diligently worked towards promoting Formula E globally and we are pleased to bring a young, accomplished Indian race driver to this fantastic sport. Jehan, with his experience and results across single-seaters, will add a great wealth of knowledge to our development program. With Formula E’s debut race in India, this is an especially exciting year for us, and we are excited to give the Indian fans a truly global experience.

    Asha Kharga, Chairperson Mahindra Racing

  • Hughes signs with McLaren Neom

    Jake Hughes will complete NEOM McLaren Formula E Team’s driver line-up for the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the outfit announcing he will compete alongside Rene Rast.

    Hughes can count on more than 10 years experience in single seaters across BRDC Formula 4, where he became its inaugural champion, Formula Renault, and eventually graduating to Formula 2 for 2022, having secured several during a prior stint in Formula 3.

    Alongside his Formula 2 campaign, Hughes took on the role of Reserve and Development driver with Mercedes-EQ, contributing to the title-winning campaigns.

    Hughes will now graduate to a race seat at the team as it kicks off its Gen3 effort under the McLaren banner.

    First and foremost, I’m very proud and feel very privileged to become part of the McLaren Racing family, being given the chance to represent such a prestigious brand. Growing up, McLaren was one of the teams that inspired me to start racing. To now go full circle, representing the team myself in Formula E feels incredible. I’ve obviously been with the Formula E team in a different guise before and we have already achieved great results. It’s good to have that relationship and I know what’s expected of me. Coming in at a time where a new generation car is introduced in the series excites me. It feels like a good opportunity and chance, especially being a rookie in Season 9. It’s set to be a great year and I can’t wait to kick off the journey ahead!

    Hughes on his seat.

    I am delighted to announce our full driver line-up for our inaugural season in Formula E. A hugely exciting prospect in single seater competition, Jake also has a history with the team as a development and reserve driver. Alongside Rene, who is particularly skilled in a wide range of series, which includes previous experience in Formula E, I believe that this pairing will be crucial in helping us hit the ground running in our first season in the series as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

    Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing.

    Since May this year, when we first announced McLaren Racing’s entry into Formula E, we have been working tirelessly to get in place the best possible team and structure for sustainable success. On the one hand, we have been working on the retention of the amazing talent that already was in place before going into the transitional phase. I’m proud to say I think we’ve done a great job on that front. On the other hand, we have been focusing on putting in place new processes and new talent – and the latter includes the drivers. Jake is an exciting talent, who we have worked with before as our Reserve and Development driver. Over the years, the team and Jake have built a relationship, and that, combined with his sheer talent, will be what can give us an edge going into this season. We’ve given Jake a chance to prove himself on the big stage in Season 9, and his story is a perfect example of the talent development that we believe in as a team.

    Ian James, Managing Director McLaren.

  • Season 9 sporting regs announced

    Formula E and the FIA announced a series of updates to the sporting regulations for Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship following approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

    Laps replace time-

    Races will now run laps instead of time period. To maintain consistency with the switch to laps, Safety Car and Full Course Yellow interruptions to racing will now be compensated by added laps, replacing the additional racing time feature.

    Attack Charge will be introduced at select races later in Season 9-

    Attack Charge will be introduced later in Season 9: Formula E and the FIA have been working with strategic technology partner to develop pioneering battery and charging capabilities that will allow the new smaller, faster and lighter Gen3 cars to receive a boost of energy in the race.

    This collaboration has resulted in the development of a battery capable of receiving 4kWh of energy inside 30 seconds – the most advanced EV battery in the world today.

    A mandatory 30-second Attack Charge stop during a re-determined period in the race will unlock two enhanced Attack Mode periods to be deployed later in the race where the power output of the Gen3 race cars increase from 300kW to 250kW.

    Rookie drivers given platform to impress-

    Every team must complete at least two Free Practice 1 sessions during the season with a driver who has never previously competed in the championship. The goal is to give up and coming drivers the chance to experience the unique qualities of Formula E racing to contribute to the progress of the team.

    Our updated sporting regulations are evidence of the continued evolution and positive impact of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for drivers, teams, partners and fans into the consumer EV world. The combination of sporting enhancements, a step change in car performance, cutting-edge battery technology and the innovation of Attack Charge will make our racing more competitive and entertaining while showcasing the future for EV development. This is at the heart of what Formula E set out to achieve and we look forward to seeing the new generation come to life in Season 9.

    Jamie Reigle, CEO Formula E.

    Capitalising upon a successful Season 8, we have now made further slight modifications to the racing format as we endeavour to bring the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to an ever-wider audience while encouraging teams to trial fresh talent. With the advent of the eagerly-anticipated Gen3 single-seater, a 22-strong grid featuring iconic automotive names and some of the best drivers in the sport, I am confident that Formula E’s new era will be bright.

    Pablo Martino, Head of Formula E Sporting Matters, FIA.

  • Maserati announce Season 9 line-up

    Maserati MSG Racing has confirmed their driver line-up for Season 9, which is Edoardo Mortara and Maximilian Guenther.

    Mortara extends his relationship with the outfit as Maserati joins the fold for Gen3, whilst Guenther makes the move after stints at Dragon, BMW/Andretti and Nissan.

    The former put himself in the picture for Drivers’ World Championship honours in both Season 7 and 8 and spearheaded the team to second in the Teams’ standings and its best points-haul to date in Formula E, under its prior Venturi guise.

    The Swiss-Italian took the title fight to the finale for the second season in a row, finishing runner-up last time out with four wins. That tally was an unbeaten high but a sticky patch – non scores in London and the Seoul opener – gave eventual champion Stoffel Vandoorne the edge despite Mortara’s victory in the final race of the Gen2 era in South Korea.

    Since joining in Season 4, the team has become home for me and I’m really happy to continue my journey with such a collection of hard working and talented individuals into Season 9 and beyond. The past five seasons have been some of the best of my career … and I’m looking forward to building upon our current success together in Gen3. As a Swiss-Italian, representing the Maserati brand in their return to international motorsport will be a great honour. I’m also looking forward to working with Max who has already shown promise as a Formula E driver. As the reigning Vice-World Champions, it’s a great time to be joining the team and I think Max and I will make a strong team as we take on the championship together.

    Mortara on racing for Maserati.

    Joining Mortara is Formula E’s youngest race winner, Maximilian Guenther, who will set about his fifth season in the championship. The 25 year old has three wins to his name. Guenther has crossed paths with Mortara as far back as 2016, and sees the pair’s analytical approach as a collective strength.

    I’m very proud to be joining the Maserati MSG Racing family alongside Edo ahead of Season 9. I have a lot of admiration for the team and their achievements in recent seasons – they have been tough to beat and fully deserve their current status as Vice-World Champions. To be part of the Maserati brand’s return to racing in partnership with MSG Racing is a huge honour for me and I‘m looking forward to building something very strong together. I first met Edo back in 2016 and we have similar values when it comes to racing – we’re both very detail orientated and driven for success. We have always had a great relationship on and off the track, based on mutual respect. I believe we’ll make a formidable team and I know that we will work hard together to ensure we extract the maximum performance together with the team. I can’t wait to get this exciting journey started.

    Guenther on his new team.

    Season 9 marks an exciting new era for Formula E and I’m delighted to extend our existing relationship with Edo, and welcome Max to the team. Edo has been a cornerstone of our operation since 2017 and, ahead of his sixth season, he’s undoubtedly one of the best drivers on the grid. We’re very excited to see him be partnered by Max who is an exceptional young talent with immense promise and potential. In this pairing, we have a very strong driver lineup for Gen3, and we intend to be in a position to fight at the very front. We have exciting times ahead.

    Team Principal, James Rossiter.

    As Maserati heads back to racing we’re delighted to welcome Max and Edo into the Trident family for Season 9 in what is set to be an exciting and electrifying new era in Formula E. We’re proud to be back on track where we belong, powered by passion and innovative by nature. In the race for performance, we’ll be taking Maserati forward as we charge on the streets of the world’s most iconic cities. Formula E is more than just a racing series, for us, it’s a competitive platform bringing new technologies to accelerate the development of high efficiency electrified powertrains and intelligent software for our sport road cars. And, as the first Italian brand to join, we’re looking forward setting in motion our full-electric Folgore strategy.

    Giovanni Tommaso Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse.

  • Cape Town added to Season 9 Calendar

    The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to race in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time on 25th February 2023, following approval at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting.

    The original calendar draft unveiled after the WMSC meeting in June featured three calendar slots to be confirmed, with the already agreed Cape Town E-Prix left off the provisional schedule.

    In further updates to the Season 9 calendar, Berlin will now host a double-header race weekend on 22 and 23rd April while the two races previously announced for Seoul have been removed from the calendar. Rounds 10 and 13 are still to be finalised and will be announced at a later date.

    RoundLocationDate
    Pre-Season TestingValencia, SpainDec 13 – 16
    Round 1Mexico City, MexicoJan 14
    Round 2 & 3Diriyah, Saudi ArabiaJan 27 – 28
    Round 4Hyderabad, IndiaFeb 11
    Round 5Cape Town, South AfricaFeb 25
    Round 6Sao Paulo, BrazilMar 25
    Round 7 & 8 Berlin, GermanyApr 22 – 23
    Round 9MonacoMay 6
    Round 10TBDMay 20
    Round 11 & 12Jakarta, IndonesiaJun 3 – 4
    Round 13TBDJun 24
    Round 14 & 15Rome, ItalyJul 15 – 16
    Round 16 & 17London, UKJul 29 – 30
    Updated Calendar

    We are excited to announce Cape Town as a new destination for our series in Season 9. Our local partners are working incredibly hard to bring an ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race to the city and we cannot wait to see the futuristic Gen3 race cars competing against the iconic natural backdrop of Table Mountain. Renovation work at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, the venue for our first races in South Korea earlier this year, means we cannot return to the same location next season as originally planned and so we are exploring other options in South Korea to replace this venue. We are also in active discussions with more world cities and venues to host an event on the other date without a confirmed location.

    Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E.

  • DS Automobiles, Penske Autosport to partner as DS Penske

    DS Automobiles one of Formula E’s most successful marques is set to begin a new chapter as a partner of PENSKE AUTOSPORT, with the newly christened DS Penske.

    Not only this, they have confirmed their driver line-up for Season 9, they welcome the current World Champion, Stoffel Vandoorne alongside double champion, Jean-Eric Vergne.

    With the new partnership alongside one of motorsport’s most recognisable team names sealed, and two of the quickest drivers on the grid in the bag. With the Director of DS Performance, Thomas Chevaucher has his eyes on silverware including the world titles.

    DS was among one of the first manufacturers to enter Formula E back in 2015, and the French marque continues to see the world’s foremost electric racing series as key to its race to road technology transfer and research development.

    The start of a new association is always a big moment, and all of us at DS Performance are eager to begin this new adventure with PENSKE AUTOSPORT. We are starting this partnership in the best possible way by having two champions in the team! Thanks to Stoffel and Jean-Eric, we probably have one of the best line-ups and also the fastest pairing on the grid. With the powertrain and software expertise of DS Performance, we are now in an ideal position to continue our hunt for victories and titles.

    Thomas Chevaucher.

    We’re thrilled to partner with DS Automobiles, an iconic automotive brand who shares our ambitions in striving for excellence. This is a major milestone for our team, and something we have been looking forward to for years. Together we will push the technological boundaries in our hunt for performance and wins. With world champion driver Stoffel and two-time champion Jean-Eric, I am confident that we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid!

    Jay Penske, Founder and Owner of PENSKE AUTOSPORT.

  • Ticktum sticks with NIO 333

    Dan Ticktum will be competing for a second year in Formula E with NIO 333, with the driver signing on for Gen3’s bow and Season 9 with the Anglo-Chinese team.

    Ticktum impressed in his debut campaign, regularly mixing it with outgoing teammate Oliver Turvey. His high of the season came in Rome with points and 10th spot.

    The British driver revealed over social media that he too had been in the car since the Seoul finale, and was at the team’s Silverstone HQ for a seat fit on Tuesday morning.

    I’ve been in the car a couple of times and it’s a big step forward from Gen2; I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I’m really looking forward to getting cracking with this new era of electric racing.

    Ticktum on his new contract.

    Sergio Sette Camara singed for NIO 333 in September and has since tested the teams ER9 Gen3 in both Italy and England as the team steps up its preparations for Season 9 and Formula E’s new era.

    With the announcement that Ticktum would join him, one of Formula E’s longest-standing and most experienced racers, Oliver Turvey says his goodbyes to the team – having been a part of the squad from the inaugural 2014/15 campaign.

  • Tokyo targets Formula E race for Season 10

    Japan has taken the first positive step towards hosting a round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship after Formula E and Tokya Metropolitan Government today signed an agreement with the goal of delivering a race in Tokyo.

    Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike and Jamie Reigle, CEO Formula E met this morning at an official signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

    The agreement will see Tokyo city authorities and Formula E work together with an objective of bringing a race to Tokyo in spring 2024, subject to FIA approval in the area around Tokyo Big Sight, the largest international exhibition centre in Japan.

    I am excited and honoured to stand alongside Governor Koike and announce the collaborative partnership between Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Formula E. Together we will work to bring a Formula E race to the city in 2024 in support of the Zero Emission Tokyo commitment. Tokyo is an iconic world city, recognised as an innovator in consumer technology, a leader in the automotive industry and a global cultural trendsetter. Formula E is delighted to partner with Tokyo Metropolitan Government to establish the city as a reference in zero emissions initiatives.

    Jamie Reigle.

    Nissan was among the first to commit to Formula E’s new Gen3 era, which is set to get underway with testing in Valencia in December, before the lights go out on the Season 9 opener in Mexico City on 14th January.

    We are very enthusiastic about this announcement from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Formula E. As the first Japanese automaker participating in the championship, we would be delighted to have an E-Prix in Tokyo in 2024. In addition, from this season we will be competing as one team for the first time, following the acquisition of e.dams earlier this year, and we would love to have the opportunity to race with our own racing team in our home market.

    The Japanese outfit’s Managing Director, Tommaso Volpe talking on the excitement of Japan possibly joining the calendar for the first time in Season 10.

    The planned schedule for next season currently features 18 races between January and July 2023 on street circuits in 13 cities, beating the previous record of 16 races in 10 different cities.

  • Buemi joins Envision

    Envision Racing has just signed Sebastien Buemi on a multi-year deal, starting with the inaugural Gen3 campaign in Season 9, racing alongside Nick Cassidy at the outfit.

    The Season 2 champion, has joined the British-based team after having a long association with both Nissan and Renault, run by e.dams which stretched back all the way back to Formula E’s very first 2014/15 campaign.

    Buemi is one of the most experienced and successful drivers on the grid with 98 race starts, 13 wins, 29 podium and 14 Julius Baer Pole Positions in his Formula E career so far.

    Envision are hoping, Buemi – who is also a four-time Le Mans winner will lead the team heading into Formula E’s new era with the 33 year-old having his eyes on the sharp end of the grid.

    It’s an interesting time to be part of Formula E and I can’t wait to start driving for Envision Racing next season. I have always had a huge amount of respect for the team, and I believe they’ve done a great job in maximising results over the years. The new Gen3 era is hugely important for the sport and presents a new challenge, with a faster, lighter and more powerful car. My objective is to fight at the front, so I’m looking forward to start testing and preparing myself ahead of the first race in Mexico City.

    Buemi on his move to Envision.

    As a team, we’re always aiming to be as competitive as possible. In Sebastien we’re confident that we have one of the fastest, most experienced, and ambitious drivers on the grid, which gives us great confidence going into the new season. We believe that alongside Nick Cassidy, we have two drivers that can help us to compete at the front of the grid and challenge for both team and driver championship titles next season.

    Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director

  • Hankook becomes Tyre Supplier to Formula E

    Hankook will be the new and exclusive Technical Partner and Tyre Supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    At an event in the Swarovski Crystal World in Austria, Hankook officially presented the newly developed Hankook iON race tyres to guests and representatives of Formula E.

    The new tyres has been developed in close cooperation with the racing series and is particularly aimed at meeting the sustainability needs of Formula E and the future of e-mobility. Nearly 30% of the new tyre, which is specially tailored to the third generation of Formula E race cars, is made of sustainable materials.

    The Formula E teams currently have access to a tyre variant that can be used in both dry and wet conditions, in order to further save resources.

    Furthermore, the long durability of the tyre is another pioneering step. After the respective race weekends, Hankook completely recycles every set of tyres ensuring the championship is as sustainable as possible.

    We are thrilled to welcome Hankook to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. We are proud to partner with a global player recognised as a top tyre manufacturer that lives and breathes motorsport as a fundamental aspect of its corporate philosophy. Hankook’s vast experience working with race teams at circuits around the world, its pioneering innovation and commitment to sustainability make it a perfect match for the championship and our new Gen3 car.

    Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle.

  • Sette Camara joins NIO 333

    NIO 333 Formula E team officially welcome, Sergio Sette Camara to the China and Silverstone based squad for the start of the new Gen3 era.

    Sergio will be making his track debut in the teams NIO 333 ER9 electric challenger at the Autodromo di Varano in Italy this week.

    The Brazilian joins the team after several impressive performances during Season 8 including reaching the Qualifying Duels, at the Berlin, New York, London and Seoul event and scoring a 9th place at the 2022 London E-Prix.

    It is unsure yet who will be his teammate for the next season, it would be wise to keep someone who knows the team but the Gen3 era is a fresh start.

    I am very happy to join the NIO 333 family and I want to thank everyone in the team who believed in me for this opportunity. I have been very open about my wish to remain in the Formula E championship, and I am super excited about the new Gen3 car.

    Sergio Sette Camara.

    We are delighted to be able to bring Sergio onboard. He is a fantastic talent and we have been hugely impressed by his approach already. Securing his services completes another part of the NIO 333 Formula E team jigsaw progressing further up the Formula E grid. We are heading towards Season 9 with a lot of motivation and some very positive momentum.

    Alex Hui, Team Principal.

  • Lotterer signs to Andretti

    Andre Lotterer will be joining Avalanche Andretti in Season 9, partnering Jake Dennis for the start of the Gen3 era of the Formula E World Championship.

    With five seasons in Formula E, three of which came at the wheel of the works TAG Heuer Porsche where the German scored four second place finishes, he now switches to the American-run outfit who will be getting powered by the Stuttgart squad.

    The 40 year old from Duisburg has had a storied motorsport career. On top of a total of eight podiums in Formula E he also boasts success in Japan with title success in Super GT and Super Formula, alongside an impressive endurance racing career, securing the World Endurance Championship in 2012 and winning the historic 24 Houre of Le Mans three times.

    I’m excited to be joining Avalanche Andretti for Season 9 and the start of the Gen3 era. Working together with Jake [Dennis] will be a great combination to continue to push the team to the front of the field in Formula E.

    Andre Lotterer on joining Andretti.

    We’re always building to be at the front of each series we compete in. Andre is bringing a wealth of experience to Avalanche Andretti and is another step in creating a team that can challenge for wins and the World Championship. We are looking forward to him joining alongside Jake to create a competitive and exciting line up.

    Andretti on the new signing.

  • Dennis sticks with Avalanche Andretti

    Jake Dennis will be continuing with Avalanche Andretti into Season 9 and beyond with the team announcing the Brit’s signed a new multi-year deal.

    Dennis has been a part of the Andretti stable since 2020, when he joined the fold having caught the eye amid serious competition during an intensive selection process over a number of test sessions.

    The Brit, was top rookie in his debut season, where he won two races and finished third in the Drivers’ World Championship – a technical issue in the final race putting paid to a real title tilt.

    Dennis won on home soil with a grand slam in London this season, as well as adding another couple of podiums in Diriyah and Seoul.

    I started my Formula E journey with Andretti and I’m excited to continue to work with the team that has continued to support my career in this series. Season 9 with the Gen3 era is an exciting time for all teams, and for us in particular with the new relationship with Porsche supplying the powertrain. I’m super motivated for next year and feel certain that with the dedication, teamwork, and investment I’ve seen over the past two years with Avalanche Andretti Formula E, we’ll be able to fight for wins and titles in the future.

    Jake Dennis on his new contract.

    Keeping Jake a part of Avalanche Andretti Formula E is a great step for our success as a team heading into Season 9. Jake has been a successful driver and leader over the past two years with our team, and we are looking forward to this continuing into Season 9 and beyond. This step is a continuation of building Avalanche Andretti towards consistency to achieve our main mission, to win.

    Team Boss, Michael Andretti.

  • ABT confirm line-up

    ABT Sportsline has secured what it calls its “dream duo” for its Formula E return, with Robin Frijns set to join from Envision Racing with Nico Mueller alongside.

    Both can call ABT home, with each driver having hugely successful spells in the German Touring Car Championship – DTM – whilst the pair has significant experience in Formula E, with 91 races under their belt between them.

    Robin and Nico were our absolute dream team right from the start, because they have everything we need for our Formula E comeback: speed, experience and the right spirit. If we want to hold our own against the big factory teams in the new season, we need a small and powerful team. And that’s where Robin and Nico fit in perfectly.

    Hans-Juergen Abt, Managing Partner of ABT.

    Mueller raced for ABT in DTM between 2016 and 2021, scoring 31 podiums, 10 wins and he twice finished runner-up in the championship standings. He raced 17 times for Dragon / Penske Autosport in Season 6 and 7 and supported the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team team with testing and simulator work.

    After our great years together in the DTM, I’m really looking forward to this new chapter with ABT and to my return to Formula E. I’m also racing together with Robin, with whom I simply had a great time on and off the track – I think there are some good ingredients coming together that will put us in a good position for this new challenge. Personally, I still have a score to settle with Formula E after my difficult year and a half anyway, and I’m happy to have the chance to settle it together with this team.

    Nico Mueller on his return.

    Frijns is a triple race-winner for ABT in DTM as well as 18 podiums also to his name. The Dutchman joins from Envision Racing, having previously raced for Andretti in Formula E over a six-season career in the series with two wins to his name.

    I know the ABT team and Nico from the DTM, where we had a great atmosphere in the team and were very successful. That’s exactly how we want to continue in Formula E. Of course, it is a big step for all of us and we will have to learn a lot and quickly but I have full confidence in the ABT team, which has caused a stir in every racing series in its history. It’s great to be a part of it again.

    Robin Frijns on his move.

  • Neom McLaren confirm Rast

    McLaren Racing has signed Rene Rast with the German driver the first of Neom McLaren Formula E’s driver line up for its debut in Formula E starting 2022/23.

    Rast is making his return to Formula E after a full-time spell with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler back in Season 7, with a best result of second in Puebla. His first appearance in the series came back in 2015/16 and was followed by a stint with Audi back at the Season 6 six-race nine-day finale in Berlin, that earned him a full time drive a year later.

    Rast is also a triple DTM champion, coming out on top in 2017, 2019 and 2020, and he has also claimed overall wins at the 2012 and 2014 24 Hours of Spa, 2-14 24 Hours of Nurburgring and class wins at the 2012 and 2016 24 Hours of Daytona.

    I am delighted to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. As a racing fan, McLaren has always had huge appeal. It’s an iconic name in motorsport with a rich history, so I feel privileged and proud to be able to represent McLaren in Formula E next season. I’ve done a season in Formula E before, it was a great experience, and I felt after that year I wasn’t done yet. I’m excited that I am now getting the opportunity to continue that journey. I’m extremely motivated and have no doubt we will create something great together. I can’t wait to get started!

    Rene Rast on joining McLaren.

    While we approach the start of a new chapter for the team, I am delighted to be able to add Rene to our driver line up for next season. Rene has shown his racecraft over and over again in every series he has competed in to date. He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent, and has valuable previous experience in Formula E, which will be of great help both to the team and himself. Season 9 promises to be an exciting challenge for the team and I’m happy to have one of our cars in the trusted hands of Rene.

    Ian James, Managing Director.

    Rene has impressed over the years in the series he has competed in. He is a true racer and has proven to be quick in any car he’s driven. His previous experience in Formula E will be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing. I’m delighted to welcome Rene to the McLaren Racing family.

    Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing.

  • Nissan confirms driver line-up

    Nissan has announced Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz in their all new driver line-up ahead of Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the first campaign of the Gen3 era.

    Nato, a previous Formula E race winner back in Berlin in Season 6, makes his full-time return to the series with the Japanese manufacturer, having competed in FIA World Endurance Championship in 2022 and stepping in for Jaguar TCS Racing as its reserve driver in Seoul.

    I’m very happy to be making my comeback as a full-time driver in Formula E with Nissan. The Gen3 era will be a new chapter for the championship, and I’m excited to prepare for testing and drive the car. The hard work starts now – I have a lot to learn and areas to develop in with the team to be at my best for the first round of Season 9 in Mexico City.

    Norman Nato on his return.

    Whereas for Fenestraz, next season will mark his first full time campaign in Formula E, following his debut at the final round of season 8 at Dragon / Penske Autosport.

    The French-Argentine racer won the Japanese Formula 3 title in 2019 and continues to compete in both Super Formula and the GT500 class of the Super GT championship. So far in 2022, the 23 year old has taken victory in both championships and currently tops the Super GT standings.

    It’s a dream come true. It will be a big step forward in my career, to move up into a World Championship for the first time and to be competing at such a high level against some of the best drivers in the world. It’s going to be a different challenge for me as it will be my first season in an all-electric car. I’m excited to compete in this championship as street circuits are my favourite, with high risks and no room for errors. As a rookie in a new format, there is a lot of preparation to do and plenty to learn! I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a very long time, and I am very grateful to Nissan for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and I’ll do everything to perform as best as I can.

    Sacha Fenestraz on his move.

    This is a significant moment for the team as we commence the Gen3 era, and we are very happy to welcome both Norman and Sacha on board. Season 9 will be our first season competing as one team, following Nissan’s acquisition of e.dams earlier this year, and also the beginning of our partnership with McLaren Racing. This marks a new era for the Nissan Formula E Team, and we believe that a combination of experience and the opportunity to nurture new talent is the right balance for us right now. In Norman and Sacha, we have found two strong drivers to fulfil our vision. Norman has proven to be a very talented driver in Formula E and in other series, and he brings a wealth of experience and skills to the team. As for Sacha, we have monitored his progress and performance over the past few years and have been very impressed. We believe he has great potential and that this is the right time to bring him into to the team. I am convinced that they will complement each other and the team very well. I can’t wait to see them both in action on track in our new Nissan Gen3 car.

    Tommaso Volpe, General Manager, Nissan Formula E.
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  • Da Costa joins Porsche

    Antonio Felix da Costa has joined the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team as their new driver joins Pascal Wehrlein for Season 9.

    Da Costa has competed in Formula E since the inaugural 2014/15 campiagn and strode to the Drivers’ title in Season 6, with the Portuguese driver dominating the unique six-race nine-day Berlin finale.

    The 30 year old has 96 race starts, with seven race wins, 16 podiums and eight Julius Baer Pole Positions to his name.

    Antonio, replaces Andre Lotterer at the German manufacturer. The multiple Le Mans winner and sportscar champion’s best finish was eight in Season 6 – his and Porsche’s first campaign in Formula E.

    It’s like a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to cracking on and winning races for this team. I’ve been beaten by a Porsche many times in my career, and not only in Formula E, so I know that Porsche does everything to win. It’s in the brand’s DNA. I share the same ambition and can hardly wait to bond with the team and work together to ensure a successful start to the Gen3 era.

    Antonio Felix Da Costa on his move.

    I’m delighted that António is coming on board. He has an incredible skill set as a racing driver and has demonstrated many times that he’s a winner, not only in Formula E. We hold him in high regard as a driver and on his own merits as a person. He’s a positive guy who is a great fit for us and the Porsche Motorsport family. I’m confident that we’ll fight for victories and titles together for years to come.

    Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.

    We’re very much looking forward to working with Antonio. I know him from various racing series and I have a lot of respect for him on a personal level. It’s incredible what he has already achieved in Formula E. We’ll do our utmost to give him a competitive Gen3 car so that he can fight for wins and titles. The team is very much looking forward to welcoming him.

    Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E.

  • Di Grassi signs for Mahindra

    Mahindra Racing has signed the 2016/17 Formula E title winner, Lucas di Grassi to partner Oliver Rowland from next season.

    Di Grassi replaces Alexander Sims who leaves to pursue other opportunities after four seasons in the series and two of those with the Indian outfit. Together, Di Grassi and Rowland will continue on with testing the Mahindra Racing’s Gen3 in their programme.

    From winning the first ever Formula E race on the streets of Beijing back in 2014, to standing on the precipice of his 100th race this weekend, di Grassi has proven a competitive force throughout all 8 seasons.

    The Brazilian has racked up 13 race wins, a record breaking 39 podiums and three Julius Baer Pole Positions which totals to an unrivalled 994 points. In 2016/17 his title winning year, he won it with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler – with ABT Sportsline set to return from Season 9 and will use Mahindra powertrains.

    Joining Mahindra represents a new challenge in my career and the timing could not be better: with the introduction of Gen3 in season nine of the FIA Formula E World Championship, everyone is starting from scratch. Having a seven-year relationship with ABT Sportsline, in which we won the world championship together, will give us a good springboard – the team will use the Mahindra Racing powered by ZF powertrain and this additional data and my close connection to the engineers will stand us in good stead. The short-term target is to win races and long-term is to help Mahindra Racing to win the world championship and become an icon in electric racing worldwide. We will build an exciting and sustainable future together.

    Di Grassi on his move.

    There’s no doubt that Lucas [Di Grassi] is one of the greatest Formula E drivers in the history of the sport – the stats and the silverware do the talking – but, for us, his appeal is much wider than that. We are the only team that has been net carbon zero since inception, earning us the title of ‘The Greenest Team in Motorsport’, and it is fundamental to our existence that we are driving forward technological developments in electric mobility with passion and knowledge both on- and off-track. We believe Lucas is perfectly positioned to do this and we are ready to get him bedded into our ground-breaking Gen3 programme within the coming weeks. Our ambition is for Mahindra Racing to become FIA Formula E World Champions and Lucas’s experience and drive will be instrumental in achieving this

    Team Principle, Dibagh Gill on signing Di Grassi.

  • Round 16- Seoul E-Prix

    Free Practice 3-

    Edoardo Mortara headed the way in the final practice session ahead of the Hana Bank Seoul E-Prix Round 16 with the fastest time of the weekend – a 1m 21.019s.

    Mortara’s title charge ended in disappointment with a puncture in Round 15 but the Venturi driver is looking to support the team’s bid to outstrip Mercedes-EQ in the teams standings. The Swiss driver pipped Antonio Felix da Costa and Jake Dennis.

    Sacha Fenestraz made his bow in Formula E as he stepped in for Antonio Giovinazzi at Dragon / Penske Autosport with the Italian driver suffering a hand injury in Saturday’s race.

    Qualifying-

    Antonio Felix da Costa fired to an unstoppable Julius Baer Pole Position for Round 16, leaving Edo Mortara no scraps to feed on through a perfect lap. No driver had made more appearances on the front row this season more than Mortara.

    There was just one hundredth between them in the knockouts prior and da Costa piled the pressure on over the lap to secure pole by two tenths come the final couple of corners. Millimetre perfect – with no mistakes from the DS driver for his eighth pole position. He was the first and last Gen2 pole sitter…

    Venturi still looked well placed for their Teams’ scrap with Mercedes, Drivers table topper, Stoffel Vandoorne was behind in fourth. Mitch Evans has it all to do as he starts in the mid-pack after failing to progress to the Duels.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Da Costa, P2: Mortara, P3: Dennis, P4: Vandoorne, P5: Frijns, P6: Di Grassi, P7: Ticktum, P8: Vergne, P9: Guenther and P10: Sette Camara.

    Round 16-

    Stoffel Vandoorne steered his way to silverware with a second place finish in the Seoul E-Prix to make more than sure of sealing the 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship as well as the Teams’ World Championship for Mercedes-EQ.

    Mortara checked out once he hit the front via a stunning dummy saw him complete a successful switchback on Julius Baer Polesitter, Antonio Felix da Costa on Lap 3. From there onwards, he managed the gap and used his energy perfectly to sign off his and Venturi’s campaign in style.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Mortara, P2: Vandoorne, P3: Dennis, P4: Frijns, P5: Askew, P6: Vergne, P7: Evans, P8: Cassidy, P9: Buemi and P10: Da Costa.

    World Champions; wow. It’s just the best feeling ever. Just look at the season we’ve had – the consistency and the car has been amazing and the team has done an incredible job – I think every single one of us deserves it. What we’ve accomplished is something special.

    Vandoorne on his Championship wins.

    This is huge. I’m just about holding it together at the moment. I’m so pleased for Stoffel – there isn’t anybody that deserves it more than him. He has been so consistent this year – everything he’s put into the building and team development – he’s been such an instrumental part of our success and to see him achieve this is a dream come true for him – it’s phenomenal. And then to do it in Mercedes-EQ’s final year as well. This is a very special moment.

    Team Principal Ian James.

    Thats the 21/2022 Formula E World Championship complete! A massive congratulations to Vandoorne and Mercedes on an incredible season.

    But when one season ends another one is coming… We are expecting a lot of driver news now the season has ended, but where will the World Champ go? There is a few possibilities… Keep your eyes peeled for more!

  • Round 15- Seoul E-Prix

    Free Practice 1-

    Stoffel Vandoorne headed the way in Free Practice 1 ahead of the Hana Bank Seoul E-Prix Round 15, pipping Edoardo Mortara to the top spot by 0.13 seconds.

    The pair were a tenth clear of Nick Cassidy, as the drivers got themselves accustomed to the all new Seoul circuit, weaving into and around the Olympic Stadium in Jamsil.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Vandoorne, P2: Mortara, P3: Cassidy, P4: Di Grassi, P5: Vergne, P6: De Vries, P7: Dennis, P8: Wehrlein, P9: Gunther and P10: Nato.

    Free Practice 2-

    Jean-Eric Vergne set the pace in FP2 ahead of Round 15, with a 1m 21.233s enough to edge out Mortara and Wehrlein by three thousandths of a second.

    Vergne and Mortara will be pleased with their pace as they look to keep their championship alive. The Championship leader, Vandoorne had set the 16th quickest time – not the performance the Mercedes driver would have been hoping for after topping FP1.

    Alexander Sims had fount the wall with his left rear, stranding his car at the pit-entry. Cassidy then came to a crawling a halt with a technical issue that forced the race director to throw a red flag and bring the session to an end.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Vergne, P2: Mortara, P3: Wehrlein, P4: Di Grassi, P5: Askew, P6: Cassidy, P7: Turvey, P8: Sette Camara, P9: Da Costa and P10: Dennis.

    Qualifying-

    Oliver Rowland steered to a fifth Julius Baer Pole Position in Formula E, outstripping Lucas di Grassi by more than half a second in tricky conditions as the heavens opened again Seoul.

    The future teammates faced off on a rain-soaked Seoul circuit, and both were ultra-committed and fighting at the wheel to keep everything together and that he did.

    Mitch Evans did his bit in the title fight to line up third, beaten to the final by di Grassi and Vandoorne starts seventh in the Mercedes-EQ.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Rowland, P2: Di Grassi, P3: Evans, P4: Wehrlein, P5: Dennis, P6: Mortara, P7: Vandoorne, P8: Sette Camara, P9: Vergne and P10: Buemi.

    Round 15-

    Mitch Evans, produced an excellent race under pressure to keep his title chances alive and slice into Vandoorne’s point advantage as the Kiwi jumped from third to the grid to the race win.

    The Jaguar driver dispatched Julius Baer Polesitter, Oliver Rowland off the line as the Brit struggled to get away cleanly over the greasy road markings.

    A hefty multi-car shunt at the penultimate corner of the first lap, caused a 45 minute red flag stoppage. Sebastian Buemi, Oliver Askew, Andre Lotterer, Dan Ticktum, Oliver Turvey, Nick Cassidy, Norman Nato and Nyck de Vries were all involved as they got caught out on standing water. Thankfully all drivers are okay, as it looked rather nasty and the halo being useful once again!

    From there after, it was relatively serene for Evans who managed a comfortable three-second gap for most of the race to Rowland.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Evans, P2: Rowland, P3: Di Grassi, P4: Dennis, P5: Vandoorne, P6: Vergne, P7: Wehrlein, P8: Frijns, P9: Da Costa and P10: Cassidy.

    We are back again tomorrow for the final round, and where we will see who will be crowned the Champion of Season 8. The teams championship will also be decided tomorrow aswell.

  • A look into Seoul

    It’s our final race weekend of the year for Formula E! And it’s a special one as Formula E reaches 100 races. We are racing in Seoul for the finale at the Hana Bank Seoul E-Prix for Rounds 15 and 16.

    This weekend there will be a new champion crowned… But who will it be? Theoretically there is four drivers going for the Championship, but Vergne needs a perfect score in both races this weekend and Vandoorne not to score.

    But looking at the other title contenders, we have Vandoorne on the top spot at the moment, and his been rather consistent this season as well as his team Mercedes-EQ, but the last time we went to a new circuit (Jakarta) they struggled so this weekend in Seoul could prove rather tricky for them.

    Evans and Mortara, our other two title contenders, will be hoping for a bit of luck which they haven’t been given in the recent races, most notably with Evans retiring from the race in London in the closing stages, whilst running ahead of Vandoorne.

    It seems difficult to envisage a weekend where Vandoorne and Mercedes simply under-perform. So whilst I’m sure Evans and Mortara won’t be wishing bad luck upon the Belgian, it seems the only way of stopping the Mercedes driver from taking his first Formula E crown.

    The Circuit-

    The lap starts with a tight and technical run before entering the Jamsil Olympic stadium as the 22 racers put on a show for the grandstand audience.

    As they then leave the stadium, a batch of sweeping turns leading into a long straight connected by 90 degree turns follow as the circuit wraps around the Olympic park as the drivers jostle position around the fast 2.6km, 22 turn circuit.

    Seoul E-Prix street circuit

    Times for the weekend-

    Saturday 13th August-

    • Free Practice 1: 00:00am (BST)
    • Free Practice 2: 1:50am
    • Qualifying: 03:40am
    • Round 15: 08:00am

    Sunday 14th-

    • Free Practice 3: 01:30am (BST)
    • Qualifying: 03:40am
    • Round 16: 08:00am

  • Nato to step in for Bird

    Formula E race winner and Jaguar TCS Racing reserve driver, Norman Nato will step into the Jaguar car at the Hana Bank Seoul E-Prix Rounds 15 & 16, as Sam Bird misses out through injury.

    Bird was found to have broken his hand in a Lap 1 incident in the SABIC London E-Prix Round 14, following post race medical checks. The Brit tangled in the pack as its concertinaed around the tight Turns 1 and 2, with Bird later learning that the impact had fractured the metacarpal in his left hand, despite all this he climbed from 15th to eighth in the race.

    Jaguar noted in a statement immediately after the London double-header that Bird would be assessed in the days to follow, but since has been determined that he would be unable to compete in Seoul.

    It would mark the first races the 35 year old has failed to start in Formula E’s 98 race history as the championship approaches its centenary round to close out Season 8.

    Nato capped a fine rookie 2020/21 campaign for ROKiT Venturi Racing with a collected race win in the Berlin finale. The Frenchman who impressed throughout Season 7, could have counted himself unfortunate to miss out on a race seat this time around, with Jaguar quick to secure his services in a test and reserve role.

    I’m devastated not to be driving in the final two rounds of the season in Seoul, particularly as it would have been my 100th race in Formula E. I need to spend the next few weeks recovering from the operation on my left hand, so I am fully fit for testing and Season 9. I have confidence in Norman, he is a race winner and I’m sure he’ll bring some great points home for Jaguar TCS Racing.

    Sam Bird on not racing next week.

    We are hugely disappointed for Sam and that he won’t be competing next weekend in Seoul. It should have been his 100th Formula E race and I have to say his drive in London was nothing short of heroic, to drive through considerable pain and a slow puncture shows how much of a fighter he is. The priority now though is for his operation and focussing on a full recovery ahead of Gen3 testing and racing again in January. As a team we all have full faith in Norman to deliver valuable points for Jaguar TCS Racing. He won the season finale last year and is determined to help us fight for every place in the Teams’ standings.

    James Barclay Team Principle of Jaguar TCS Racing.

    Firstly I want to wish Sam the speediest of recoveries. As a reserve driver, I’ve been with the team every step of the way this season. Although I haven’t driven a Formula E car for over a year, when I get into the Jaguar I-TYPE 5 next weekend, I’ll be fighting for as many points as possible. I want to make the most of this opportunity.

    Norman Nato.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg3uN_tMSkY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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  • Round 14- London E-Prix

    Round 14- London E-Prix

    Free Practice 3-

    Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy fired to the top of the timesheets in Free Practice 3, ahead of the SABIC London E-Prix Round 14 with a 1m 12.933s the weekends quickest time so far, pipping Antonio Felix da Costa and Robin Frijjns.

    Cassidy had cut through the field to fourth yesterday before a penalty for Nyck de Vries for his defence towards the end of the race elevated the Envision driver to a spot on the podium. He would be encouraged by his pace to carry over today as will the team as Frijns was all but matching him by 0.093s back in third.

    Track conditions were tricky out there, with both Venturi’s spinning – Mortara finding the Tecpro barriers at the chicane, the Swiss got away without any amjor damage but it was illustrative of the challenge offered up at the ExCeL.

    Qualifying-

    Jake Dennis sealed a second consecutive Julius Baer Pole Position in as many days in London, as the Brit set off in search of a SABIC London E-Prix Round 14 win and a potential Grand Slam.

    Dennis steered to an astonishing 1m12.535s lap in the Final Duel with yet another amazing performance behind the wheel of his Avalanche Andretti. Lucas di Grassi was his opponent but the ROKiT Venturi Racing driver had made a mistake on his flying lap as well as struggling with Dennis’ pace.

    Antonio Giovinazzi made his first ever duels appearance and will more than certainly be thrilled with the third fastest time of the session – by far his best this season.

    Standings leader, Stoffel Vandoorne failed to make the cut in the Groups, though none of his closest rivals progressed to the duels either- leaving the title fight to play out via a battle from the midfield. Stoffel secured 13th, Mitch Evans his closest rival in one spot back, whilst Edoardo Mortara sits 17th and Jean-Eric Vergne is best placed out of the top four.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Dennis, P2: Di Grassi, P3: Giovinazzi, P4: Da Costa, P5: De Vries, P6: Buemi, P7: Cassidy, P8: Askew, P9: Gunther and P10: Vergne.

    Round 14-

    Lucas di Grassi took his maiden win for ROKiT Venturi Racing in the SABIC London E-Prix Round 14, after overcoming home hero and pole sitter, Jake Dennis over a hard-fought and strategic 38 lap battle in the UK capital.

    Di Grassi, emerged through his last of three mandatory Attack Mode activations with enough in hand to ensure he’d make it by Dennis, when the Brit jumped for his last 30kW boost. The Brazillian then stretched his advantage over the final few laps, and into added time to take the chequered flag first.

    Nyck de Vries, came home third, whilst his Mercedes-EQ teammate and standings leader clambered to fourth from 13th on the grid. His closest title rival Mitch Evans had made his way as high as fourth from 14th at the start of the race, but a late technical problem put-paid to his Round 14 and deal a hammer blow to his title challenge, with retirement from proceedings and a non-score.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Di Grassi, P2: Dennis, P3: De Vries, P4: Vandoorne, P5: Da Costa, P6: Buemi, P7: Frijns, P8: Bird, P9: Sette Camara and P10:

  • Round 13- London E-Prix

    Round 13- London E-Prix

    FP1-

    Sergio Sette Camara topped the timesheets in the opening session of this weekend’s SABIC London E-Prix, with the fastest time in Free Practice 1 ahead of Round 13.

    The Brazilian’s 1m14.487s was enough to pip top four title contender, Mitch Evans and Round 10 winner, Nick Cassidy. As Antonio Giovinazzi put on his best shwoing of the season in practice with the 4th quickest time, with reigning world champion Nyck de Vries in fifth.

    Jean-Eric Vergne had work to do as he sat in 17th, but practice isn’t always pace alone, especially this weekend as teams try and get to grips with the unique indoor/outdoor circuit at the ExCel, with plenty of elevation changes and varying surfaces to contend with.

    FP2-

    Brit, Jake Dennis headed the way in Free Practice 2 ahead of the SABIC London E-Prix Round 13, setting a 1m13.661s lap time to [i[ Oliver Rowland by 0.082 seconds with Andre Lotterer in third.

    Just 0.858 seconds split the top 20 runners in an ultra-close session, with Dennis a race winner here last season – able to squeak to the top of the pile. The first of the title contenders was Mitch Evans, the Kiwi posting the sixth quickest time of the morning. But standings leader, Stoffel Vandoorne was a couple of spots back in his Silver Arrow 02.

    A couple of drivers fell foul of the tricky track surface with Sam Bird pushing his luck on the way into the ExCeL and Lotterer pirouetting at the complex.

    Qualifying-

    Jake Dennis, starts on Julius Baer Pole Position on home turf at the SABIC London E-Prix Round 13, having produced the goods in some style in front of a vocal home support.

    Dennis was up on fellow finalist and standings leader Stoffel Vandoorne after the first couple of corners and had earlier flown to the fastest laps in each of the groups and knockout stages up to this point. By the middle of the lap, the Brit made big ground and had two tenths of a second on Vandoorne.

    Vandoorne still holds the cards in the title fight, though, with his nearest rival Edo Mortara down in ninth having failed to progress from the groups, Jean-Eric Verge 13th and Mitch Evans a spot behind in 14th.

    It’s amazing. That’s one of the best things about obviously racing In Formula E – if you do a good job, you can hear the crowd. I’ve had such a good day – first in practice, through to all the Qualifying Duels and then to go head to head with Stoffel in the end was tight. It was incredible and honestly, the cars been absolutely amazing today. We made a really good step forward from yesterday and to get the team that first pole this year is exceptional.

    Jake Dennis, on securing pole position.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Dennis, P2: Vandoorne, P3: De Vries, P4: Sette Camara, P5: Askew, P6: Gunther, P7: Cassidy, P8: Lotterer, P9: Mortara and P10: Frijns.

    Round 13-

    Jake Dennis, strode to a dominant lights-to-flag win in the London E-Prix for Round 13 to make it two wins in two years on home turf for the Brit at the ExCeL.

    Dennis was able to cover off the early advances of standings leader, Stoffel Vandoorne with the Mercedes-EQ driver content to play it cool to come home second for a 17th Formula E podium, with his closest championship rivals marooned down the field. But, by the first lap both Evans and Mortara had been in the wars, with Mortara forced to pit and entirely out of the fight.

    Reigning champ, Nyck de Vries played rear gunner for Vandoorne to occupy a racy Nick Cassidy as the Kiwi chased more silverware towards the end of the race but the Dutchman was able to hold fast for a podium. But it was meant to be for de Vries, as he got a 5 second penalty after the stewards found the Dutchman to change direction repeatedly under breaking.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Dennis, P2: Vandoorne, P3: Cassidy, P4: Askew, P5: Evans, P6: De Vries, P7: Da Costa, P8: Gunther, P9: Di Grassi and P10: Wehrlein.