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Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 07:22 AM
Spawned from the F1 thread...


Formula E
It is the new FIA championshop featuring cars powered by electricity only.

Starting next year the championshop will compete in 10 world cities
Beijing, China - 13th Sep
Putrajaya, Malaysia - 18th Oct
Rio De Janerio, Brazil - 15th Nov
Punta Del Este, Uruguay - 13th Dec
Buenos Aires, Argentina - 10th Jan
Los Angeles, USA - 14th Feb
Miami, USA - 14th Mar
Monte Carlo, Monaco - 9th May
Berlin, Germany - 30th May
London, UK - 27th June


Just like F1 there are ten teams each running two drivers.

As a step change from F1, "Entertainment" is being given priority, indeed the three E's of formula e are Energy, Environment and Entertainment. I think that it is an important acknowledgement that the series needs to draw an audience and sustain it, unfortunately, procession races while the technical challenge to win like that is very difficult for the spectator, who does not appreciate the behind the scenes work, it can be boring.

Like F1 there is a concept of a "Race Weekend", but in FE everything occurs on the same day, this both minimises cost, disruption to the host city (as it is a street race) and means that the audience can see all in one sitting.

Practice - 1 hr, full power 200kw/270bhp
Qualifying - 4 laps to do it, 1 warm up, 2 flying, 1 in lap. Cars will take to the track instages to avoid congestion, again this will be at full power.

Race - About an hour in duration with drivers making two madatory stops in order to change cars, egines will be restricted to 133kw/180bhp but can be boosted to full power temporarily

The Teams

For the first season all teams will run teh same Spark-Renault SRT_01E, all based in the same location to minimise cost.

The 10 teams are:

Drayson Racing (UK)
China Racing (China)
Andretti Autosport (USA)
Dragon Racing (USA)
E.Dams (France)
Super Aguri Formula E (Japan)
Audi Sport ABT (Germany)
Mahindra Racing (India)
Virgin Racing (UK)
Venturi Grand Prix (Monaco)

In the future many of the teams are expecting to be able to develope their own cars within the specifications. No drivers have been officially annouced.

Deadlift
12-11-2013, 07:45 AM
I'm very much looking forward to it, I think I did read somewhere that Leonardo DiCaprio is involved with one of the teams. It's great to see the Chinese getting in on the action too. As I said before it's going to be a bit weird without the engine notes, and whilst the tire rumble is a bit noisy it's no substitute.
But if it's going to bring more awareness about performance electric cars to the public then why not. Not everyone wants to drive a Prius.

Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 07:50 AM
Let me answer that with:

“The future of our planet depends on our ability to embrace fuel-efficient, clean-energy vehicles. Venturi Grand Prix has shown tremendous foresight in their decision to create an environmentally friendly racing team, and I am happy to be a part of this effort.” - Leonardo DiCaprio, Founder, Venturi Grand Prix

Also with regard to the sound:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/nX5Roi4lzVs

Deadlift
12-11-2013, 07:53 AM
Yep sounds like a dyson :D

http://www.fiaformulae.com

I've been looking at the site, and do you know what, I think this could actually be more exciting than F1. With car changes mid race and closer racing between the teams I'm really looking forward to it.

Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 08:01 AM
I can't see the link :(

But still quite excited by this, or at least what this technology may mean.

Psychosplodge
12-11-2013, 08:34 AM
And you say there's driving positions open? :D

Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 08:47 AM
Unfortunatley I don't have my FIA-B licence any more :(

Psychosplodge
12-11-2013, 08:50 AM
You need an extra licence? ffs :mad:

Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 08:57 AM
Still cheaper than the super licence for f1.

Psychosplodge
12-11-2013, 09:01 AM
But a licence? really?

Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 09:09 AM
http://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/regulation/file/13.01.24_ANNEXE%20L%202013.pdf

Deadlift
12-11-2013, 09:54 AM
I tried getting in an F1 car once, didn't happen.

Wolfshade
12-11-2013, 09:59 AM
I am not surprised...

Psychosplodge
12-11-2013, 10:05 AM
Yeah I barely managed to get in/out of a ferrari 355... :eek: