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.
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