Tag: Formula E

Jack Aitken on Formula E: “I’ve wanted to try the car for a long time now.”

/ Sophie Featured

Sophie Clare interviewed Jack Aitken, former reserve driver for Williams and Renault in Formula 1 and a current rookie for Formula E’s Envision Racing team. 

Interviewing Jack Aitken at the 2023 SABIC Berlin E-Prix Media Pen (Copyright: Lena Ferle)

This season Jack Aitken is competing in the European Le Mans Series, the ADAC GT Masters and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.  Within this busy racing schedule he was also in Berlin for Formula E’s Season 9 Rookie Test.  During a conversation at the Berlin Tempelhof street circuit, Aitken shared his thoughts in the run-up to the testing session.

Sophie: How did you find being out of the driver’s seat this weekend? Are there lessons that the drivers have applied with the changing conditions, track surface, which you can apply tomorrow?

Jack Aitken: Yeah, I mean so I came a couple of days early just so I could see what was going on and try and absorb some information. To be honest, it’s not my favourite activity to be just hanging around at the track, spare, with no driving to do, because I did a lot of that when I was in F1. But yeah, I did pick up some useful things and everyone’s been really really helpful in helping get me up to speed.

S: Do you think that Formula E has a particular appeal to drivers like yourself, who may have been reserve drivers or in feeder series? What do you think has attracted a lot of you to the rookie test?

JA: I think yeah it’s not so much to do with my reserve stuff, it was more just because I’ve been trying a lot of different cars lately, and Formula E is something that was an option, something that I’m interested in. So I’ve wanted to try the car for a long time now, just to see what it’s like because I’ve heard it’s very different. The opportunity came up with Envision, who are obviously doing very well at the moment, so I’m just quite happy to join in for the rookie test and get a taste for it.

The Rookies before taking to the track (Copyright: Simon Galloway)

S: There’s been this amazing fan atmosphere here this weekend, so much overtaking and racing action — what do you think is the unique selling point for Formula E which makes drivers and fans alike so enthusiastic about it?

JA: Well Formula E just has the opportunity to do things from the ground up a little bit more differently, and that goes for things like the qualifying format, also the way that the racing plays out with strategy, and even the way that they set up things like the paddock. I think it’s a refreshing thing to see it done a bit differently. I will hold comment on the car until I’ve driven it, but at least from the simulator it is also something that also has a unique style to it. I think it’s a very interesting challenge, because the car has a lot of power but relatively a lot less grip. You know, usually when you move up from single seater cars, from a lower grade to a higher grade, grip and power go up the same amount relatively. And here we have a very powerful car that relatively has not much grip. So it’s a different style for sure.

Formula E has the opportunity to do things from the ground up a little bit differently.

Jack Aitken

S: I’m sure that energy management will also be an interesting challenge and something new to take on.

JA: Yeah, of course, that’s a big part of it as well. I’ve played with it a little bit in other series with fuel – I mean energy saving whether it’s fuel or electricity is kind of the same concept. So that’s less different, it’s just more intense here [with Formula E].

Both Aitken and the Envision Racing team were pleased with the results of the rookie testing. Damage to the chassis of Sebastien Buemi’s vehicle during the race weekend meant that Aitken and fellow rookie Jonny Edgar had reduced time on track, however the team was focused on gaining insight, collecting data and understanding before the second half of the Formula E season.  

From the Envision team’s outstanding performance in the Monaco E-Prix just two weeks after testing in Berlin, their hard graft is continuing to pay off.  Nick Cassidy executed a remarkable 10 overtakes during the Monaco E-Prix’s 29 laps, even overtaking on the outside which is almost unthinkable in the Monte Carlo street circuit.  Cassidy’s victory in the Principality marked his second consecutive race win following on from Berlin, bringing himself and the team to the top of both drivers’ and constructors’ standings.  

With the rookie testing complete for this season, it remains to be seen whether any of those rookies will take the step up into Formula E in the future, but it is certain that the opportunity to spend time on track in the GEN3 was valuable for teams and rookies alike.

Berlin E-Prix Race Report: Formula E Round 8 and Season 9 Rookie Tests

/ Sophie

Sophie Clare details her experience attending the second Berlin E-Prix race and Formula E’s Season 9 Rookie testing.

The second round of the SABIC 2023 Berlin E-Prix began with a rainy morning, quite the contrast to the sunshine on Saturday.  After arriving on-site at Tempelhof, I sheltered from the weather in the media centre to watch qualifying (although we ventured into the rain to watch parts of the Duels!).  Qualifying saw an amazing front-row lockout for the ABT CUPRA team, with Robin Frijns and Nico Müller putting in two stand-out performances despite wet and variable track conditions, as drier lines appeared during the course of the session.  The ABT CUPRA team’s excellent result in the very first wet session of the GEN3 era was also voted as Formula E fans’ Moment of Berlin and marked the team’s first points of the season. 

Robin Frijns on his way to pole in a challenging qualifying session (Copyright: Sam Bloxham)

Qualifying saw an amazing front-row lockout for the ABT CUPRA team, with Robin Frijns and Nico Müller putting in two stand-out performances despite wet and variable track conditions.

After qualifying we enjoyed some time in the pit lane, where the rain certainly wasn’t dampening anyone’s spirits… The Jaguar TCS garage had a fantastic playlist featuring Umbrella by Rihanna!  I was pleased to have a tour around the garage from Emily Hogg, who discussed her role as Senior PR and Communications Officer and showed us the behind-the-scenes of the team’s setup.  Emily explained about the different responsibilities within a communications role, in particular how these vary between race weekends and the more typical work-week in the office.  When behind a desk, her role focuses on developing communications strategies for upcoming race weekends, such as planning engagement with regional markets.  During the weekend, the strategies and plans are put into effect with the production of social media content, writing of press releases, hosting VIPs and influencers and often collaborating with local Jaguar teams with a presence in each race location.  Each race provides unique opportunities, for example the Monaco E-Prix is a valuable chance to connect with publications in the lifestyle, fashion, travel and luxury consumer spaces; bringing Formula E and its teams and drivers to new audiences beyond the motorsport world.

The Abt Cupra drivers had been hoping for a wet race to continue their excellent performance from quali, but the weather nonetheless started to warm up and dry out.  We therefore watched the race start from our trusty trackside vantage point, with a sunny atmosphere that mirrored the previous race. The racing action was not quite as chaotic as on Saturday, although there was still a whopping number of overtakes and tense moments.  After a few laps we were quickly rushing through the paddock to watch the majority of the race from the DS PENSKE team garage!  Nathalie Dumas, Communications Manager from DS Performance was kind enough to invite us. It was amazing to observe the action from the garage alongside Femme Speed’s Gracie Talia Ross, and Lena Ferle from Formula Nerds. With our headsets tuned into the team radio, I especially enjoyed hearing some of Jean-Eric Vergne’s messages to the team in French: helping ensure the weekend counts towards my Year Abroad language immersion! It was a wonderful insight into how the trackside team members experience each race.

Enjoying the race in the DS PENSKE garage.

Excitingly, Jean-Eric Vergne secured a third place podium and maintained his third place position in the drivers’ championship – reducing his gap to the leader Pascal Wehrlein.  Stoffel Vandoorne also scored valuable points for the DS PENSKE team, which maintained its fourth place in the teams’ championship.  As the cars returned to the pit lane and the podium finishers parked in the Allianz Fan Village, we followed the DS PENSKE team members across the track and enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere of the podium!  It truly was an exhilarating experience and a highlight from another historic Formula E weekend. Following the podium celebrations, it was once again time for the press conference and media pens. As well as familiar faces from the Formula E grid, there was also the opportunity for the media to speak with drivers taking part in the Season 9 Rookie test the following day.  I had the chance to talk with Jack Aitken about the Rookie test and his thoughts on Formula E – read more here! 

Crossing the track with the DS PENSKE team ready for the podium celebrations.

The rookie test quickly rolled around on Monday which had a very different, peaceful atmosphere once the site was empty of spectators.  Staff were starting to unpack the track, and the pit lane and paddock was a lot quieter. This was a great opportunity to explore the grid away from the hectic atmosphere of the main race weekend, especially because events like Rookie testing place an emphasis on practice, experience and data collection rather than competition.  I enjoyed meeting Viktoria Wohlrapp, who is Motorsport Communications Spokesperson for Porsche and gave me a tour of their team garage. It was interesting to observe as Yifei Yi prepared for the practice session, particularly watching all the small details that go into getting the car and driver out on track. 

The rookie test quickly rolled around on Monday which had a very different, peaceful atmosphere…

Viktoria also took me over to the Avalanche Andretti garage, where it was lovely to meet their Formula E and Extreme E Communications Manager Lewis Mitchell.  I watched the rest of the testing session from the Andretti garage and it was nice to hear the Communications staff – albeit working for competing teams – discussing their plans for the upcoming Monaco E-Prix and working together towards shared goals.  This is something which consistently strikes me about the Formula E paddock is the wonderful feeling of community. Even though the teams are competing for the Championship, there is a great sense of camaraderie and collaboration across all aspects of the sport; from media to engineers, drivers to race officials. Everyone involved dedicates hard graft to produce high quality sport and entertainment, as evidenced by the cumulative growth of fan engagement and a whopping 20% year-on-year increase to a cumulative audience of 381 million during last year’s Season 8.  Overall, Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich scored the fastest lap time of the rookie test, setting a fastest time just two tenths of a second off the best time set in practice by Maximilian Guenther during the main race weekend – in the same Maserati MSG Racing car. 

Something which consistently strikes me about the Formula E paddock is the wonderful feeling of community.

To conclude the race weekend it was time for a final wander through the pit lane with Abi Jackson and Soph Upton, some of a lovely and talented group of motorsport influencers who I met during the race weekend as well as Ashley Eleanor, Monique Adriana and Antonia Rankin.  It was great to learn more about working as an influencer and how each of them are achieving exciting milestones: they were also taking part in the launch of Formula E’s new simulator racing series Accelerate Amped, which will continue at the oncoming E-Prix rounds in Rome and London.  

Ultimately, being back in the Formula E paddock was a highlight of my time here in Berlin.  It was a wonderful opportunity to get up close to the racing action, which I won’t forget any time soon.

Race Report: Formula E Round 7 and Envision Racing’s Race Against Climate Change Event

/ Sophie

Sophie Clare reports on her highlights from an action-packed race day in Berlin.

To kick off the 2023 SABIC Berlin E-Prix race weekend, I was pleased to be invited to Envision Racing’s Race Against Climate Change event. This was hosted at a rooftop venue in City West, which allowed us to enjoy some unexpected Berlin sunshine. We first heard from Claire Williams, who called in over video conference to share her experiences growing up in the Williams motor racing dynasty as well as discussing her own career path: “I still pinch myself today that I had the opportunity to run an F1 team.” She also highlighted the value of Formula E as a platform for change, which “inspires because of its sustainability credentials.”  

Girls on Track panel hosted by Lissie Mackintosh, with Sophia Flörsch, Alice Powell and Julia Pallé

This importance of sustainability was echoed by the other panellists, including Alice Powell (currently Development and Simulator Driver for Envision Racing), Sophia Flörsch (Formula 3 driver) and Julia Pallé (Formula E’s Sustainability Director). Julia Pallé revealed insights into the sustainability strategy which has ensured Formula E’s net zero carbon footprint since its inception. In particular, she explained the importance of creating a “culture for sustainability” and embedding environmentally friendly practices in every aspect of the series, from manufacture of the GEN3 car to the local projects the series supports at its race locations.  Alice Powell echoed the importance of sustainability – and women’s inclusion – highlighting that “it’s not just about the driving… it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, you can go and participate.”  

Sophia Flörsch has been racing since she was 4 years old, and during her 18 years since starting with karting, she has noticed that things are changing.  At a grassroots level, she explained, it is just as important that parents can see motorsport as an option for their daughters as it is for young girls to see role models in the sport.

“I still pinch myself today that I had the opportunity to run an F1 team.”

Claire Williams

Following on from this, the New Scientist’s Alexandra Thompson hosted a panel discussing the intersection of technical roles, sustainability and gender equality. Marija Lazic shared about her role as a sustainability officer in a male-dominated sector. Eva-Maria Hirschieper discussed her role as Public Policy Director for Sustainability at Meta, and both women detailed the importance of normalising female participation in STEM roles.  As Claire Williams had mentioned, once she reached a certain level of seniority in motorsports, people suddenly appeared surprised to see her there. It made her wonder why the presence of high-profile female leaders is “[considered by some as] such a different and strange thing.” The biggest learning I found from these panel sessions was the importance of community and purpose-driven, grassroots work to improve access to STEM – and motorsport – for all.  Indeed, as Hirschieper stated, “with smaller changes you can make scalable effects.”

After a thought-provoking and fascinating selection of panels during Friday’s event, Saturday brought on a completely different learning experience, with my first full day in the Formula E Media Centre. The race weekend began with a beautiful sunny day, which greatly contrasted my previous Formula E experience at last year’s London E-Prix when most time was spent inside the ExCeL centre!  

After familiarising myself with the paddock and finding a desk in the media centre with Gracie Talia Ross from Femmespeed, we watched the second Free Practice session and the Qualifying duels from the pit lane entry.  This was an excellent vantage point to admire the new GEN3 design up-close.  After this, I enjoyed exploring the paddock and made the most of some time in the pit-lane. There was a very lively atmosphere with many fans coming over for autograph sessions with the drivers and other groups being taken on tours around the paddock. It was lovely to talk with Alexa Rendell, who is a digital presenter and producer who you might recognise from her work with Formula E and Extreme E. Soon she was off again darting in and out of the team garages, finding opportunities for content capture and seeking authentic moments from the race weekend to communicate with fans watching from home.

Later in the afternoon I also enjoyed catching up with Izy Rekiel, a friendly face in many paddocks including Extreme E, Formula E and F1. Not only the resident DJ of Formula E’s BOSS|Emotion Club, Izy is also an impact correspondent, presenter and content creator across a breadth of racing series and other events. It is always interesting to learn about the experiences Izy has gained through her career: particularly the people she meets and stories she gets to share.

In the pit-lane with Alexa Rendell and Gracie Talia Ross
Catching up with Izy Rekiel

Endeavouring to make the most of the sunshine, I then enjoyed watching the race from a great trackside vantage point between turns 4 and 5.  With a media pass, you don’t have access to watch the race from the grandstands (which are probably the most comprehensive viewing location – no matter where your grandstand is, you can listen to and watch the curated commentary and live video).  Happily, there was a screen opposite us serving the BOSS|Emotion Club VIP lounge and commentary being broadcast behind us, so we could follow the action elsewhere while also watching the cars take the corner right around our position.  It is also possible to watch the race directly from the Allianz Fan Village, which has very affordable tickets and contributes to making Formula E more accessible (particularly for new fans or first-time attendees).

Round 7’s race saw a record breaking number of lead changes, with the front-runners all conscious of draining extra energy if they were in first position for too long. The importance of being in the frontrunner’s slipstream combined with the close competition typical of Formula E resulted in a series of dramatic events and two periods under the safety car. The race saw 190 overtakes with a record 20 at-the-line lead changes and eight different race leaders.  During lap 20 Dan Ticktum – unsighted – squeezed Stoffel Vandoorne into the wall right opposite our vantage point.  Fortunately both were okay, although both drivers had enough damage to result in a DNF.  Hearing the crunching of carbon fibre and watching contact between cars as it happened was incredibly surreal, as was observing the marshalls as they cleaned up the track and swept away wayward carbon fibre during the safety car. 

Enjoying the racing action from our trackside vantage point
Marshalls clearing up the track after contact between Ticktum and Vandoorne

After a whirlwind race, which always seems to go by even quicker when you’re watching live, the podium saw a historic 1-2 result for Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans and Sam Bird.  Maximilian Günther brought home his debut Formula E podium, having raced up the inside past Sébastien Buemi to take 3rd position on the final turn.  Not only did he secure the first podium position for Maserati in Formula E, but he became the first driver in Maserati colours to make a single-seater podium since the iconic Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957. 

The race saw 190 overtakes with a record 20 at-the-line lead changes and eight different race leaders.

While the whole paddock was processing the incredible race (and counting up the record-breaking number of overtakes!) we headed back to the Media Centre where the post-race press conference took place.  Once the champagne has been sprayed this gives the podium finishers a chance to share their thoughts on the race.  Shortly after is the media pen, where most of the drivers will speak with the media in a merry-go-round situation, with journalists making their way around and drivers accompanied by an array of PR and communications staff. If you end up watching an interview filmed in the media pen, you may notice other drivers or journalists in the background.  There is a great hustle and bustle as everyone seeks out the on-demand drivers, especially those who had a major role in the day’s racing action!

With the last official proceedings of the day concluded, all that remained was another exploration through the Allianz Fan Village before heading home and getting ready for more exhilarating racing on Sunday!

Checking in with Formula E Season 9 – 2023 SABIC Berlin E-Prix Race Preview

/ Sophie

Sophie Clare looks forward to exciting electric action, as the 2023 SABIC Berlin E-Prix marks the midpoint of Formula E’s 9th season.

As we near the halfway point of ABB FIA Formula E’s 9th Season, it is all to race for as the series returns to Berlin.  So far this year, 11 teams have raced across the world from Mexico City to Diriyah, Hyderabad to Cape Town. Following the most recent action in Sãu Paulo, the current standings see TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein hoping to continue his Championship-leading performance at his (and his team’s) home race.  

Mitch Evans, Nick Cassidy and Sam Bird on the podium in Sãu Paulo (Copyright: Simon Galloway)

Jake Dennis, Nick Cassidy and Jean-Éric Vergne are currently placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively, with just 2 points between them – all will be aiming for strong performances here to consolidate their positions in the Championship lineup.  At the other end of the pack, Robin Frijns, Nico Müller and Maximilian Günther will be hoping to secure their first points of the season at the 10-turn Tempelhof track.  Considering no one driver has scored points in every race this season, there is certain to be exciting, unpredictable and closely-contested racing in store. 

Perhaps the most significant change for Formula E this year was the introduction of the GEN3 car, which has undoubtedly contributed towards the tightly fought races in Season 9.  The three race weekends preceding this round also took place in brand new locations for the series, which provided tactical challenges for the teams when deciding their strategic approach with the new vehicles. 

From the launch of the GEN3 last year (Copyright: Formula E Media Centre)

In this weekend’s familiar setting, however, teams and drivers will be able to draw on their previous experiences to shape their strategy, which could give the winning edge. In Berlin, the race site’s former use as an airport has several implications for the teams.  The track surface consists of concrete slabs which cause more wear and tear than a typical street circuit.  This will call for strategy choices which can help drivers optimise tyre management and energy conservation during the race.  Alice Powell, Simulator and Development Driver for Envision Racing, explained some of the important split-second decisions which drivers are responsible for. These can make or break a driver’s race performance, particularly when it comes to managing energy levels.  Alice described how there are so many buttons and switches that “the manual book for the steering wheel is something else!” 

With a top speed of 200mph, the GEN3 has a smaller chassis which has been optimised for close-fought street racing. The regenerative capacity of the previous GEN2 car has been doubled, meaning that more than 40% of the energy used in-race is regenerated from braking. Energy management (including when to employ the extra 50kW of energy gained from Attack Mode) is a fundamental part of race strategy and the flick of a switch has changed the fortunes of many on track. It remains to be seen how the collaboration of strategists, engineers, and drivers will unfold this weekend, but they will be sure to draw on data collected in the racing simulator by drivers like Alice to continuously fine-tune their performance. 

The manual for the steering wheel is something else!

Alice Powell

One of the most interesting aspects of the Berlin race is its unique location at the former Tempelhof Airport, which in particular played a pivotal role during the Berlin Airlift from 1948-49.  Supply aircraft transferred much-needed resources to the West of the city during a blockade by the Soviet Union, providing necessities to two million citizens in a monumental operation.   All flight operations were discontinued in 2008, with the site giving way to the Tempelhof Park; not only the biggest in Berlin, but one of the largest inner city open spaces in the world.  This unique location also allows for a racetrack which is wider than a typical Formula E street circuit.  The extra overtaking opportunities will be sure to provide many exciting wheel-to-wheel battles. 

Signage from last year’s Berlin E-Prix (Copyright: Sam Bloxham)

The once abandoned hangars of the Tempelhof airport will also feature the Allianz Fan Village, the launch of CUPRA’s new Tavascan electric SUV, a Formula Student showcase and a wealth of fan engagement activities.  Building upon years of both advocacy and implementation when it comes to sustainability, the E-Prix will be powered using 100% renewable energy, showcasing EcoCups in the Fan Village and celebrating Earth Day 2023 throughout the weekend.  Plus, to top it all off, Monday will see a host of talented drivers (who haven’t yet participated in a Formula E race weekend) who will be taking to the track for Rookie tests in the GEN3.

No one driver has scored points in every race this season, there is certain to be exciting, unpredictable and closely-contested racing in store.

Formula E has visited Berlin more times than any other city; with the races here having seen 10 pole-sitters and 13 race winners over 16 E-Prix events.  Given the close competition over Series 9 of Formula E thus far, it is clear that there is much to be excited for as the teams, drivers and fans prepare for this weekend.  

Stay tuned for Sophie’s coverage of the race weekend on our blog and social media.

Formula E: An Electrifying Race Weekend in London’s ExCeL centre

/ Sophie

Sophie Clare reviews her first Formula E race experience, reflects on the racing format and details some of her favourite memories from a busy race day.

It was such a fun (and fairly affordable) way to see the skill of drivers and support a more sustainable mode of racing.

On Saturday 30th July I was excited to attend the Sabic London E-Prix, my first Formula E race weekend.  After an early start and a succession of trains and tubes, Aakash, Marina, and I arrived to the distinctive noise of electric engines, enjoying a glimpse of free practice from the DLR station. 

Our train had slowly but steadily filled with easily recognisable fans, showing support for their teams with baseball caps and polo shirts.  Entering the Allianz E-Village gave an overview of the activities on offer, revealing the true scale of the race site.  The unique track winds around – and through – the ExCeL convention centre and adjacent to the Royal Victoria Dock.  The indoor/outdoor layout poses the challenge of differing light levels and track conditions, it is fascinating to watch during the race and see the drivers negotiating in and out of the indoor track, trying to use the transition to their advantage.

After exploring the site, Marina and Aakash checked out the grandstand and track while I paid a visit to the Media Centre.  This provides working space for the array of team representatives, journalists, photographers, and Formula E officials who bring the racing action to fans via. print and online media.  It was a quiet and focused space, definitely a contrast to the crowds of fans who were attending the race and enjoying the activities on offer in the E-Village.  It’s also where the pre and post-race press conferences and media pens take place, so I enjoyed getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes.  I also took the opportunity to explore the paddock, where I had the chance to chat with Sophie Liger, PR manager for the DS TECHEETAH team.  It was great to see inside the garage as the team, drivers (and indeed the cars!) were getting prepared for qualifying.  Later in the day we also saw Izy Rekiel, who Aakash and I first met at the Extreme E Jurassic X Prix last year.  Izy kindly caught up with us in between providing a musical backdrop to the race weekend as DJ in the BOSS|EMOTION Club.

Qualifying consists of a group stage followed by a series of Duels, where pairs of drivers go head-to-head to decide the qualifying order.  We found that this format – along with the accessible race length of 45 minutes + 1 lap – is a crucial part of Formula E’s growing appeal, particularly to fans who might not have engaged with motorsport before.  For new viewers at home or first-time race attendees, Formula E’s almost bite-sized format provides fast-paced, punchy racing action interspersed with a range of activities, including music performances by Nina Nesbitt and Jax Jones.  Additionally, the race still provides the tension and excitement of strategy calls, overtaking and battles for position, just concentrated into a shorter race time.  With thousands of fans cheering along in the grandstands, waving flags to support their favourite teams, it was a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

Watching the race itself – round 13 of this year’s championship – was an incredible experience.  Almost every lap when the cars whirred down the straight and through turns 1 and 2, we watched a slightly different succession of cars passing by our grandstand.  Lights on the halo of each car indicated whether the driver had initiated Attack Mode, a sort of DRS equivalent for the Formula E cars.  This gives a 6-minute power boost and can be activated twice during the race, with each team and driver working to build a strategy which could best employ the power boost to their advantage.  As the race continued, it was particularly exciting to watch the battle for third place between Nick de Vries and Nick Cassidy, a tight battle which saw de Vries cross the line first but Cassidy taking third position, with de Vries taking a five second penalty post-race.  Perhaps most noteworthy was Jake Dennis’ dominant run to a podium position for the Avalanche Andretti team.

It was close and hard fought, and I really enjoyed the fact that the commentary was broadcast into the crowd.

I asked some of the CUMFS members who attended the race about their experience and their responses were unanimously positive.  It was the first live motorsport event that most of them had attended, with the range of fan entertainment and sustainable racing being big factors behind their enjoyment.  Izzy thought that “it was such a fun (and fairly affordable) way to see the skill of drivers and support a more sustainable mode of racing.”  Several members particularly enjoyed seeing British driver Jake Dennis British top the podium.  Aakash also appreciated the unique track layout, in particular how it “took great advantage of the Formula E cars.”  He reflected my own thoughts on the racing: “it was close and hard fought, and I really enjoyed the fact that the commentary was broadcast into the crowd.”

Ultimately, I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of a Formula E race weekend, both in the grandstands and behind-the-scenes. It was great for so many of our members to attend an in-person motorsport event, many of us for the first time!

Has the London E-Prix piqued your interest in the sport?  We’ll be incorporating further coverage of Formula E into our blog and social media, so stay tuned for more articles in the future.  If you’re interested in writing for the blog, please get in touch with Libby, our Social Media officer.