Formula E: Racing for the Future An insight behind the scenes of the world's premier all-electric racing series

by Smith, Sam

• ISBN13: 9781785217067
• ISBN10: 1785217062
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2021-02-16
• Publisher: Haynes Publishing UK

Summary

Formula-E – the world's leading electric-racing series – is leading the way for the future of motorsport, promoting electric power for a sustainable future, while providing thrilling racing and an immersive experience for the fans. This officially licensed book, produced with the full cooperation of Formula-E and the teams, provides a fascinating insight into the series, featuring input from the teams and drivers to take the reader behind the scenes.

Since Formula-E's maiden season in 2014, the series has grown into a global championship, attracting major manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, DS (Citroën), Nissan, Jaguar and, for 2019/20, Mercedes and Porsche, with 12 teams and 24 drivers – including a number of ex-F1 drivers – competing for victory. The races are held on city street circuits around the world, enabling spectators to get close to the action. The series uses ‘one-make’ cars, which means that all 24 cars on the grid are of the same design, although each team is free to use its own powertrain and spring/damper assemblies, and the teams can set the cars up as they wish to suit individual driver preferences and the relevant track.

For the 2018/2019 season, an all-new car design in the form of the Gen2 was introduced, with double the energy-storage capacity of the previous cars, plus increased acceleration and top speed.

Formula E Manual looks at the origins and history of Formula-E from early concepts in 2011 to the first season of racing in 2014, then follows the evolution of the series through to the 2019/2020 season. The anatomy of a 'Gen2' Formula-E car, is examined in detail, including the chassis, bodywork, powertrain, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres, cockpit controls, safety equipment and electronics, while drivers and engineers provide their views on the challenges for Formula-E and getting the best from the car. A behind-the-scenes look at a typical race weekend looks at every aspect of what it takes to put on a Formula-E race, including the choice of track layout, setting up of safety barriers, communications and marshaling, press and TV facilities, Race Control, the Fan Zone, and finally qualifying, practice and the race. Appendices provide details of car specifications and season results from 2014 to 2019/20.

This is a must-have book for all fans of Formula-E, and those coming to the series for the first time who want to know more about how this exciting racing series works.

Author Biography

Sam Smith is a motorsport journalist and PR specialist with extensive experience in Formula-E, F1, WEC sportscar racing and Champ Car, as well as other categories. He has attended all but six Formula-E races since the start of the series in 2014, and has reported on Formula-E for Autosport and the e-racing 365 website.