If it’s the smell of unburtnt fuel and the scream of petrol engines that gets you though the gate on race day, then the chances are you’re not a fan of the FIA’s latest race series Formula E. The inaugural ePrix of this new motorsport series, using pure electric cars around tight city circuits, came to an exciting close in London’s Battersea Park on June 25 as British driver Sam Bird stole prime position on the podium, while Brazilian Nelson Piquet JR was crowned the first overall Formula E Champion. With plans for next year’s season already in motion, here are 5 reasons why Formula E is worth watching…
THE CITY-BASED CIRCUITS
One of the main gripes about Formula One is how the circuits have become too sanitised. Since Ayrton Senna’s death in 1994, F1 took a long and hard look at track safety and as a result, made larger run offs, better barriers and less-extreme corners. “The irony is that [circuits were] changed because of [Senna’s] death… and he would have hated the way it is now,” said Sid Watkins, the F1 doctor who was first on the scene when Senna crashed at Imola. With slightly slower top speeds (140mph instead of 200mph), Formula E can take place on fast and narrow city circuits like Battersea Park, meaning many of the circuits are easily accessible. The tight turns and narrow track increases the chance of body contact between the cars, as was the case in the London final, and if touring car racing is anything to go by, body contact makes for exciting racing.
THERE ARE SOME BIG NAMES BEHIND IT
(Photograph: Adam Warner/LAT)
Sir Richard Branson, arguably the UK’s best-known entrepreneur, hasn’t been wrong about much since he signed Mike Oldfield to his music label back in 1973 and started climbing up the rich list. If plastering his brand name down the side of his team’s car isn’t enough of an endorsement, the music magnate and space explorer declared over the race weekend that “Formula E will overtake Formula One, in terms of the number of people coming to see it, in a handful of years.” Still not convinced? Will.I.am and Jodie Kidd were also seen pounding the paddock while Boris Johnson even managed to get out for a spin ahead of the final race.
IT’S JUST STARTING OUT
There are very few opportunities to say you were there at the start these days, but with FE having only just completed its first season, there’s still a chance to get in with the early adopters and make it your sport. The London final attracted 60,000 fans over the weekend while Silverstone welcomed over 300,000 fans for the Formula One GP. FE still has a long way to go so get in while it’s most accessible.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE CARS
Not something you’d expect to read about a motor race but it’s true, Formula E hospitality is a comfortable place to either watch the race or the celebrities around you, while the sponsor entertainment and eVillage are worth a visit. Looking for a way to sell it to a lady friend? How about a picnic in the park with cars thrown in? Sold.
IT’S GUILT-FREE MOTORSPORT
(Photograph: Steven Tee)
With pure electric and hybrid cars, including the safety and support cars, you know you’re buying into something sustainable, at least in comparison to Formula One. Admittedly it’s a damn site quieter than its more established sister series, but it’s fast, fun and gets a thumbs up from Mother Nature. What’s not to like, gents?
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