The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is the first fully-electric road racing series in the world. It made its debut in 2014. Formula E currently offers the most competitive environment in which to forge ahead with the development of high-performance cars against the background of environmental friendliness, efficiency, economy and sustainability. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is in good company: more manufacturers line up in Formula E than in any other racing series making for fierce competition.
The format
There’s normally a brief shakedown session the day before an E-Prix, along with two practice sessions on the day of the race. The first lasts 45 minutes and the second 30 minutes. In the qualifying, the drivers are divided into four groups. The drivers have 6 minutes to race their fastest lap in their groups. Their cars have an engine power of 250 kW (340 PS) available.
The top six proceed to the 20-minute Super Pole shoot-out. This session decides who will start from the first, second and third rows of the grid. The race lasts 45 minutes plus one lap. In race mode, drivers have 200 kW (272 PS) to play with. When there’s a double-header – two races over the course of the weekend – the programme on the second day is identical, other than with just one 45-minute practice session.
16 races have been confirmed for Season 8 (2021/2022).
The special features
One innovation in Formula E is Fanboost. This is where fans vote online, either via the Formula E app, the website (https://fanboost.fiaformulae.com) or via Twitter, to give the drivers an extra burst of power in the race. The five drivers with the most votes are able to deploy an additional burst of 100 kJ in a short time frame during the second half of the race.
Another special feature of Formula E is Attack Mode. During the race, drivers have to move off the racing line and pass through the Activation Zone in a certain part of the track. This gives them an extra 35 kW, or a total of 235 kW (320 PS), which they can use for about four minutes. Each driver can deploy Attack Mode twice during a race. It can only be used under normal racing conditions, and not under a yellow flag or when the safety car is out.
