Formula E is the pioneer for the electrification of motorsport

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Ever wondered what life is like behind the wheel of a Formula E racing car? If so, there is no one better placed to explain the sensation and how it differs from other forms of track racing than Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s reserve driver Ho-Pin Tung.

Having done some development testing ahead of the inaugural season of Formula E, Ho-Pin has witnessed how the first generation car has developed from its infancy up the fourth season of series.

“Formula E is entirely different to other forms of motorsport, and it is not just combustion engine versus electric motor debate. The series is very different to any other type of traditional motorsport. We only race on closed street circuits, which gives drivers and engineers different challenges ahead of each race. The tyres are completely different and bear a similarity to road tyres which we can use in all different types of weather conditions,” he adds

“The races are very focussed on preserving energy levels and efficiency. When we returned to racing with Jaguar last year, we knew there would be a lot of catch up especially when it comes to getting the most efficiency out of our powertrain and I think during the season you could see we made gradual progress. The whole concept, as a team, as a driver is quite different from other race series.”

From next season, the second generation Formula E car will be readied for action, with improvements made to the aerodynamics, tyres, and the battery pack’s longevity, with the cars able to last the duration of the race.

As the sport evolves, Ho-Pin, a Le Mans winner, current endurance racer and former test driver for Williams and Renault Formula One teams, believes that Formula E has proven to the world that it is the perfect proving ground for electric vehicles, and with Jaguar launching its first all-electric vehicle is a great example of the benefits of electrifying motorsport. He adds:

“Developing electric vehicles is where manufacturers are focussing at the moment, so you will definitely see a move towards more sustainable forms of motorsport. Formula E has embarked on a step that is so significant for motorsport it’s already changed the landscape for motorsport globally.

Ho-Pin will be joining up with the Panasonic Jaguar Racing in Mexico this weekend, to see how the team does, watch all the coverage on 5Spike.