Pascal Zurlinden and Carlo Wiggers on the current situation in Formula E
The 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship has been officially suspended since 13th March 2020. In the latest “Inside E” podcast, Carlo Wiggers, Director Team Management & Business Relations Porsche Motorsport, and Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport, discuss how the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is dealing with this situation.
They also look back at the races that have already taken place and give their take on the season so far.
“The spread of coronavirus is affecting everybody and goes way beyond motorsport,” says Wiggers. “The health of our employees and people all over the world takes top priority.” The sense of community and solidarity is important in these unpredictable times. Day-to-day business in the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach is naturally completely different to usual. “In line with the recommendations of the authorities, we have switched to home office – at least in those areas in which it is possible to work remotely. Workshop operations have been reduced to a minimum,” says Zurlinden.
The appraisal of the season so far – following races in Diriyah (SA), Santiago (CL), Mexico City (MX) and Marrakesh (MA) – is a positive one. “We set ourselves the goal of achieving podium results – and promptly finished runner-up in our very first race,” says Zurlinden. “Pole position at the Mexico City E-Prix was another highlight. We have proven that we have a competitive car in the Porsche 99X Electric.”
In light of the current situation, Wiggers sees opportunities, particularly in the field of Esports, to continue to be engaged in motorsport during the race-free period and to entertain fans in these difficult times. “The only way to stay true to our passion at present is virtual racing. We are experiencing a boom in this field,” he says.
„Inside E“ episode 5: interview with Pascal Zurlinden and Carlo Wiggers
MPGA
Previous episodes
„Inside E“ episode 4: interview with Pascal Zurlinden
MPGA
„Inside E“ episode 3: interview with Amiel Lindesay
MPGA
„Inside E“ episode 2: interview with André Lotterer
The Hyderabad E-Prix in India on Saturday marks the 100th Formula E race for António Félix da Costa. In an interview, the Porsche works driver from Portugal talks about his series debut in Malaysia in 2014, his most memorable victories and the rapid development and bright future of the world’s first electric racing series.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is gathering momentum: With the Hyderabad E-Prix on 11 February, the innovative electric racing series celebrates its maiden outing in India. After a successful start to the season with two victories in Diriyah, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team heads to this premiere feeling very confident.
Porsche has celebrated an outstanding weekend in Formula E: after his victory on Friday Pascal Wehrlein (GER) won the second night race at the Diriyah E-Prix, at the wheel of the new Porsche 99X Electric Gen3. Thanks to this double victory in Saudi Arabia, he takes the lead in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Porsche has made a strong start to the Formula E season: At the Mexico City E-Prix, the new Porsche 99X Electric Gen3 achieved a brilliant one-two result. Porsche customer squad Avalanche Andretti won the opening round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Mexico City with driver Jake Dennis (GBR). For the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, works driver Pascal Wehrlein (GER) took second.
