Official Season1 FIA Formula E Championship Thread - **Inaugural Season**

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by ddk632

And, of course, I will plan to attend the Miami round on March 14, 2015 with my DSLR gear ready to go!

Hey David,

I'm planning to get a group together for the Miami event; it should be a lot of fun!

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

Hey David,

I'm planning to get a group together for the Miami event; it should be a lot of fun!

Sweet. Keep me posted; maybe we can make a BMW caravan out of it...

[954Stealth]

Qualifying with five cars
The schedule for a formula-E event is fixed now. At 08:15 clock, the pilots begin training, the races will take place at 16:00 clock.


The ball is round, a game lasts 90 minutes. As simple as it sounds, it is not in the new formula E. This is because the race distance will vary from event to event. About 60 minutes for a full ePrix but, that's all that is for sure. How many rounds will be recorded exactly will be decided on race day itself.

The rest of the program, however, is the same from ePrix to ePrix. It was already clear that each event heading to the world capitals would take about one day but a detailed schedule did not exist. After a complete simulation was unwound at Donington for the first time, the schedule is fixed now.

First race simulation unwound: A few problems occurred
At 08:15 clock there will be a 45-minute training session. The second, shorter by 15 minutes training session begins at 10:30 clock. At 12:00 clock it is for the first time seriously: The first qualifying group goes to the track. Ten minutes, the five pilots time to achieve their personal best. Then there is a five-minute break before the second group goes to the track.

There are four qualifying groups with five pilots. Which pilot goes into which group is chosen randomly before.

Schedule of a typical ePrix:
8:15 to 09:00 Free Practice 1
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 Free Practice 2
12:00 to 12:10 Qualifying Group 1
12:15 to 12:25 Qualifying Group 2
12:30 to 12:40 Qualifying Group 3
12:45 to 12:55 Qualifying Group 4
16:00 race

Here are some shots from the Sim day at Don Park









And some footage: http://www.motorsport.com/all/video/...nt-simulation/

[954Stealth]

The 5th of 5 Official test days will be happening tomorrow.

If you are in or around Leicestershire, UK and would like to see this you will need to register here:
http://www.donington-park.co.uk/even...official-test/


All spectators must register

****


We are now less than a month away from the opening of the season

[ddk632]

Can't wait to see what they end up using for the pace car.... Hoping for i8!

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Can't wait to see what they end up using for the pace car.... Hoping for i8!

Same here!
It's between the Rimac Concept_One and BMWs i8 and i3...seems like i8 is the favorite choice.

[954Stealth]

After this year, folks other than Renault will be able to build a car.

I'd like to see BMW apply i8 tech/electric/hybrid tech to a Formula E race car

[ddk632]

Yes! It would be awesome to see both BMW and Tesla build cars next season or within a season or two, and compete in Formula E.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

Same here!
It's between the Rimac Concept_One and BMWs i8 and i3...seems like i8 is the favorite choice.

I guess the Concept_One will just be for tours and rides




"The all-electric FIA Formula E Championship has today confirmed that its course cars for the inaugural season will be fitted with Qualcomm Halo™ wireless charging technology"

With the final specification of car set to be announced shortly, the championship’s technical team took advantage of today’s final test at Donington Park to trial two BMW i8 and two BMW i3 models with the aim to evaluate them for the series’ official course cars. Earlier this year, the German marque was part of the Global Launch event of the Formula E in London.

All four BMWs have been specifically modified to meet FIA requirements, with one of the BMW i3 models featuring an inductive charging system from Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), with the remaining three vehicles set to be adapted at a later stage. The technology has been developed by San Diego-based Qualcomm Incorporated, one of the official Founding and Technology Partners of the series and a global leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies. The Qualcomm Halo™ technology uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy between a ground-based pad and a charging pad fitted to the underside of the vehicle. The cars can then simply park over the base pad for charging to start automatically.

The chosen safety car – which will be officially entitled the Qualcomm Safety Car - will be driven by experienced driver Bruno Correia, whilst the medical and extraction cars will be overseen by FIA Medical Delegate Dr Phil Rayner and his team. The cars will be positioned at the end of the pitlane, charging wirelessly and ready to be rapidly deployed as required during each practice, qualifying and race.

Steve Pazol, GM, Wireless Charging at Qualcomm Incorporated, said: “Qualcomm is honoured to be an integral part of FIA’s Formula E Championship. As electric vehicles become more ubiquitous, charging them wirelessly is an obvious next step in the EV evolution and we are excited to showcase this in Formula E. Motorsport is a known proving ground for new technologies, and in addition to our wireless EV charging technology, Qualcomm will be bringing more of its technologies to bear as the series goes forward.”

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: “Qualcomm’s wireless charging system is ground-breaking technology and represents an exciting evolution for charging electric vehicles. Wireless charging has the potential to radically improve the electric vehicle driver experience and Formula E provides the perfect platform in which to develop, test and showcase this exciting new technology.”

source: FIA

[954Stealth]

Long Beach ePrix will have free admission!!

We're delighted that Formula E has selected Long Beach as the site for its first ePrix on the U.S. West Coast," Jim Michaelian, president of the Grand Prix Assn. of Long Beach, said in a statement.

"And the free admission will afford everyone the opportunity to come out and witness this historic and unique event," he said.

[954Stealth]

Check out the new Abt livery

[954Stealth]

Buemi topped the 5th practice session. Here's the combined results:
Test 5, Donington Park – results (combined times):
1. Sebastien Buemi, e.dams-Renault, 1:31.792s
2. Nicolas Prost, e.dams-Renault, 1:32.117s
3. Franck Montagny, Andretti Autosport, 1:32.143s
4. Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing, 1:32.249
5. Sam Bird, Virgin Racing, 1:32.292s
6. Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT, 1:32.293s
7. Karun Chandhok, Mahindra Racing, 1:32.369s
8. Jerome d’Ambrosio, Dragon Racing, 1:32.646s
9. Stephane Sarrazin, Venturi, 1:32.663s
10. Nick Heidfeld, Venturi, 1:32.775s
11. Nelson Piquet, China Racing, 1:32.808s
12. Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing, 1:32.821s
13. Charles Pic, Andretti Autosport, 1:32.841s
14. Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT, 1:32.867s
15. Jarno Trulli, Trulli, 1:32.892s
16. Oriol Servia, Dragon Racing, 1:33.411s
17. Antonio Garcia, China Racing, 1:33.469s
18. Takuma Sato, Amlin Aguri, 1:35.425s
19. Michela Cerruti, Trulli, 1:35.444s
20. Katherine Legge, Amlin Aguri, 1:38.112s


********************************

Team China Racing has announced the signing of Red Bull Global Rallycross championship leader Nelson Piquet Jr as one of its drivers for the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship.

Nelson Piquet Jr: “I have always enjoyed the challenge of racing in a variety of formulas, so I’m delighted to be able to drive in Formula E. To be a driver in the very first Formula E championship is a great honour as it’s a very interesting new concept in motorsport. I’m delighted to be participating with Team China Racing who are looking to establish themselves in the sport.”

Steven Lu, CEO, Team China Racing: “Nelson has proven time and again his ability to perform at the highest level across a range of different racing formats and this was a key factor in our decision to sign him to Team China Racing. In his tests at Donington Nelson was very quick and we believe the team has signed one of the most talented drivers on the grid.”

[954Stealth]

Tickets are now available for the Beijing ePrix
Here:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/tickets.aspx

"Local fans can use the ShuiniaoTicket platform, while spectators outside of China can visit the official Formula E website or global ticketing company Ticketmaster."

[954Stealth]

FIA Formula e
10 Days to go!!


Formula E cars depart for Beijing

Donington|02 Sep 14


Preparations for the season opener of the all-electric FIA Formula E Championship moved another step closer today as the cars, batteries and equipment began their journey to Beijing.

The 40 Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E cars, together with their sensitive lithium-ion Williams batteries, and all the teams’ spare parts and equipment are being transported by the series’ Official Logistics Partner DHL.

Starting from Formula E’s operational headquarters at Donington Park, the cargo will be transported via DHL’s hub at East Midlands Airport – just a stone’s throw away – before arriving in Beijing in plenty of time for the first race on September 13.

DHL is the world’s leading logistics company, and a pioneer in green logistics solutions. For Beijing and all subsequent Formula E races, DHL will draw on its unique background of over 30 years’ of motorsport logistics experience, combined with industry leading solutions in the area of sustainability and green optimization. Of course, it will also transport the cars and infrastructure in a highly efficient manner and minimise the carbon footprint used wherever possible.

[954Stealth]

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E:
“We are excited to announce this new and important development for Formula E. The Formula E Motor Shows will play an important part in removing the barriers to the electric vehicle market and helping change perceptions to make people believe in electric car ownership. The future of modern, mass transport, particular in cities and urban areas, lies in electric vehicles. The Formula E Motor Shows will help to accelerate the interest and adoption of sustainable and clean air motoring solutions in line with our objectives for the championship.”

Justin Tadman, CEO of the Formula E Motor Shows,:
“I am delighted to be launching this series of exciting events. Consumers will be able to engage and interact with the manufacturers and their ranges of hybrid and electric vehicles at these city centre race tracks.

Our first Formula E Motor Show will take place alongside the Miami race in March 2015, followed by Long Beach, Monaco, Berlin and London. This is a truly exciting time for the motoring industry and these events are perfectly timed and located to help drive the change towards an electric future.”

[954Stealth]

This weekend, guys! Love it or hate; tune in for a race and give it a chance....let's see what happens.

foxsports.com:
Fully electric Formula E series to debut Saturday on FOX Sports 1

The future is now in the world of motor sports as the brand new, fully electric FIA Formula E Championship series premieres live from Beijing, China on Saturday, September 13 (3:30 a.m. ET) exclusively on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports GO, with a replay airing Sunday, September 14 (1 p.m. ET).

"We expect this championship to become the framework for research and development around the electric car, a key element for the future of our cities," said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings.


http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story...aturday-090714

[954Stealth]

Since it IS indeed this weekend that the inaugural season starts, let's preview the Beijing ePrix:

BEIJING E-PRIX



Formula E is the FIA’s new single-seater championship and the world's first fully-electric racing series. The first race – or ePrix - takes place on Saturday, September 13 2014, in Beijing, China, on a temporary street circuit around the Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium.

The inaugural season runs from September 2014 to June 2015, competing in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities including London, Buenos Aires and Miami. For the inaugural season, 10 teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head creating a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans.

Formula E aims to represent a vision for the future of the motor industry over the coming decades, serving as a framework for R&D around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting sustainability.

Beijing ePrix
Length: 3.44km
Turns: 20
Laps: 25 lap race

EVENT FORMAT

Car – Spark-Renault SRT_01E

All drivers use an identical fully-electric single-seater designed and built by Spark Racing technology together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers including McLaren, Williams, Renault, Michelin and Dallara.

Practice

All events will open with a 45-minute practice session followed by a further 30-minute session, giving drivers their first experience of the circuit. They will have up to two cars available to them giving them the option to change cars should they wish. Full power (200kw / 270bhp) will be available throughout.

Qualifying

The qualifying session is a straight fight for the fastest laptime and determines the order for the day's race. The session will last 55 minutes (40 minutes track) and see drivers divided into four groups of five cars, with each group having 10 minutes to set their best time. Full power (200kw / 270bhp) will be available throughout with drivers only able to use one car. The driver setting the fastest time will be awarded three points.

ePrix

Races will begin by standing start and last for approximately one hour with drivers making one mandatory pit stop in order to change cars. Power will be restricted to 'race mode' (150kw / 202.5bhp) but for those drivers with FanBoost, the power output can be temporarily increased to 180kw / 243bhp for 5 secs per car. Points will be awarded using the standard FIA system with the driver setting the fastest lap also receiving two additional points.

FanBoost

Fans can give their favourite driver an extra speed boost by voting for them prior to the race. The three drivers with the most votes will each receive a 5-second ‘power boost’ per car per driver, temporarily increasing their car’s power from 150kw to 180kw. Just click here to cast your vote. You can change your mind as many times as you want until voting closes a short time before the start of the race.

Points

Drives will score points using the standard FIA system of: 1st = 25pts, 2nd = 18pts, 3 = 15pts, 4th = 12pts, 5th = 10pts, 6th = 8pts, 7th = 6pts, 8th = 4pts, 9th = 2pts and 10th = 1pt. Three points will be awarded to the driver securing pole position, whilst the driver setting the fastest lap receives two points.



MEDIA INFORMATION/SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Timetable:

[All sessions take place in one day]

8:15 – 9:00 Free practice 1

10:30 – 11:00 Free practice 1

12:00 – 12:10 Qualifying group 1

12:15 – 12:25 Qualifying group 2

12:30 – 12:40 Qualifying group 3

12:45 – 12:55 Qualifying group 4

16:00 Race (25 laps)



Media Accreditation:

The Accreditation Centre is located in the lobby of the Grand Skylight Catic Hotel, No.18 Beichen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing - 北京市朝阳区北辰东路18号格兰云天大酒店

Opening hours:

Thursday 11 September 08:00 – 18:00

Friday 12 September 08:00 – 18:00

Saturday 13 September 07:00 – 10:00



Media Centre:

Located in the paddock. All media with pre-approved trackside, pitlane and/or grid access must collect a tabard from the reception desk beforehand. Free wifi available upon request. Interview area located outside the media centre.

Opening hours:

Friday 12 September 10:00 – 18:30/late

Saturday 13 September 07:00 – 21:00/late



FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP

Shortly after the finish of the sessions, results of the event can be found on the following link:

www.fia.com/championship/fia-formula-e-championship/2014/fia-formula-e-c...">http://www.fia.com/championship/fia-.../2014/fia-form...

[954Stealth]

[E90SLAM]

The electric motor high pitch sound gives me goose bumps....
Can't wait till this weekend!!!

Makes me wonder how will Formula E evolve in future decades, and perhaps F1 and FE can learn from each other?

[954Stealth]

Japanese driver to line-up alongside Katherine Legge in Beijing. Fabio Leimer to act as reserve driver.

Amlin Aguri, a new racing team sponsored by London-based global insurance company Amlin, has today confirmed its driver line-up for the inaugural race of the all-electric FIA Formula E Championship. Takuma Sato will join Katherine Legge for the opening ePrix in Beijing on September 13, with Fabio Leimer acting as the team’s reserve driver. Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa, already confirmed for the team, is unable to compete in Beijing due to his DTM commitments.

Takuma Sato began competing in Formula 1 in 2002 driving for Jordan Grand Prix and Super Aguri F1. In 2010, he moved to IndyCar driving for KV Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing before joining A.J. Foyt Racing for the 2013 season where he became the first Japanese driver ever to win in IndyCar at the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Takuma Sato said: “I’m very much looking forward to making history with Amlin Aguri as we compete in the first ever Formula E race. I’m excited to join the team especially reconnecting with good old friends from Super Aguri F1 team days and going racing together again. I’ll be pushing hard to make sure we’re doing our absolute best in Beijing. Racing electric cars is something fascinating and it will take motorsport into a new direction and I’m thrilled to be playing a part in these early stages.”


(Read the rest at motorsport.com)

[E90SLAM]

The start finish straight at Beijing looked quite narrow like Monaco!

[E90SLAM]

Safety Car!!!
The i8 looks sooooo good~!!!