The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is entering its most exciting season yet by introducing a first-of-its-kind innovation in sport to further enhance the fan spectacle and retain the unpredictable nature of electric street racing.
Not only does the Gen2 car have a completely different exterior to its predecessor, there’s wholesale changes to the components underneath the bodywork – continuing to set Formula E apart as the most relevant championship in motorsport for the automotive industry.
With the Gen2 car the drivers can stay strapped in and seated for the entire length of the race. But it’s not a walk in the park to the chequered flag, as utilising a range of power modes on offer – balanced with efficiently managing the battery life against a 45-minute (+1 lap) race countdown – means there’s likely to be more strategic variables and mixed results than ever before.
New for this season, drivers will be able to access ATTACK MODE at any time during the race from the second lap – allowing them to chase down their rivals or build a lead to defend position. ATTACK MODE temporarily boosts power levels from 200kW – in standard race mode – to 225kW for a short period of time.
It’s mandatory for drivers to use ATTACK MODE during the race, with the precise time period and amount of activations determined by the FIA – with the potential to adjust depending on the track layout and configuration.
Drivers will initially lose time – and possibly positions – moving away from the fastest racing line around the track. However, they’ll quickly have the opportunity to make up any lost ground and overtake with an immediate power advantage.
The different power modes will be denoted using florescent LED lights adorning the halo above the driver’s head – another innovation introduced by Formula E in season five for fans to follow the race. When the LED lights glow electric blue the car will be in ATTACK MODE (225kW), changing to magenta when deploying FANBOOST (240kW to 250kW).