Formula E will be back in action with some, hopefully, electrifying (sorry, not sorry) racing this weekend. It looks set to be another exciting season for the all-electric championship, here’s everything you need to know about it:
New locations
The FIA recently confirmed the final Formula E calendar for the 2016/2017 season and it looks pretty damn exciting. Alongside old races like Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Berlin and Paris, there’s also the return of the Monaco ePrix.
But the big news is the fresh additions to the calendar. Formula E will race in Hong Kong this weekend for the season opener, before going on to a new event in Marrakesh. Brussels joins the party but the headline events are the final rounds in New York and Montreal.
Extra races
The good news for us is that we’ll be treated to 12 races this season, two more than the last one. This is because the weekends in New York and Montreal both feature two races each, so more on-track action for us to enjoy!
Fresh faces
With a new season comes some fresh faces on the grid. It’s impossible for a race series to retain the exact same drivers each year, so it’s no surprise there are some new additions to the series for 2016/2017. Last year’s European Formula 3 champion Felix Rosenqvist joins FE, alongside GT driver Maro Engel, WTCC champion Jose Maria Lopez, Ma Qing Hua, Adam Carroll and Mitch Evans.
Jaguar returns
There’s also a new team on the grid, with Carroll and Evans leading Jaguar’s charge on its return to single-seater competition. It’s big news for FE and after testing, it looks like the team will be competitive straight away.
Minor rule changes
The rules haven’t changed that much for season three. Only minor modifications have been made. One point will be awarded for fastest lap, rather than two. Permitted regeneration amount has increased to 150kW but maximum power output remains limited to 200kW for now.
The weight of the car has decreased from 888kg to 880, which should speed them up a bit. Michelin will provide a new tyre too.
An updated look
Visually, the cars look a little different this year due to the introduction of a new front wing, with a new nose shape and extra, higher element. It looks pretty damn cool right? Super aggressive and futuristic, a bit like FE.
Reigning champions
Of course, Renault e.dams and Sebastien Buemi are the reigning champions for the new FE season after the conclusion of the 2015/2016 campaign in London earlier this year. The team looks pretty competitive after testing too, so expect them to be challenging at the front again.
New TV home
For Formula E fans watching it in the UK, the series has a new TV home. ITV decided to drop FE for season three and it’s been picked up by Channel 5. There won’t be any swanky studio segments, instead using the world feed for build-up, but it’s important that FE remains on free-to-air TV.
Manufacturer interest
Big manufacturers continue to be drawn to FE, a sign of where the series is going on the future – for sure. BMW has joined forces with Andretti for this season and will be looking to evaluate a possible works outfit for season five. Mercedes has also confirmed ahead of season three it’s signed an option for an entry slot for season five. It’s the latest huge manufacturer to show interest.
Striking liveries
We’ve seen most of the liveries for season three now and some of them look downright mean. The Renault e.dams looks absolutely stunning and the Jaguar has a brilliantly smart and sophisticated livery – simple yet very, very effective.