What started as nothing more than a shared dream between Formula E founder, Alejandro Agag, and FIA president, Jean Todt, in 2011, the electric Formula E series has since developed into the fastest growing motorsport series on the planet.
Since its debut in the grounds of the Olympic Park in Beijing in 2014, Formula E has grown into a global series, gaining world championship status to become the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship ahead of the 2020 / ’21 season.
With 12 teams and 24 drivers on the grid, the championship has become a destination for the world’s OEM powerhouses. Although BMW and Audi have confirmed their withdrawal at the end of next season they will this year face Porsche, Nissan, Mercedes and DS Automobiles, Mahindra and NIO. The inclusion of OEMs in any series brings the need for greater resources, and therefore increased investment. Due to this, Formula E has evolved from off-the-shelf spec powertrain units to a level of applied engineering akin to Formula 1.
Regulation changes
For season seven, the FIA and Formula E have limited the running costs and closed technical avenues for exploitation, all in a bid to level the playing field. Formula E maintains the unchanged Gen2 chassis and the planned EVO update to the bodywork is being held back to manage costs. Racecar manufacturer, Spark Racing Technology, in partnership with Italian constructor, Dallara, will continue its supply of chassis to the grid.
This story is from the February 2021 edition of Racecar Engineering.
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This story is from the February 2021 edition of Racecar Engineering.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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