Formula E is the world’s youngest motorsport. Just nine years since the first Formula E Championship, its global popularity continues to soar. The 2022/23 season promises both fans and teams a non-stop thrill ride, with electric racing making its debut in four additional countries and the introduction of new, faster and more energy-efficient Gen3 race cars.
Taking the action to the streets in Season 9
One of the biggest distinctions between Formula E and other racing classes is that we are not limited to using traditional racetracks. The fact that most of the circuits incorporate city streets and existing sports stadiums in their respective host cities makes the racing so much more exciting and engaging for spectators. Invariably it requires more manoeuvrability and quicker reactions from the drivers. It also impacts on the design of the race cars, which are slightly shorter and not as wide as in other classes, to make up for the tighter turns and reduced overtaking room.
Energy efficiency – the Holy Grail
The very concept of Formula E was born from a desire to push the limits of performance efficiency through advanced engineering. Electric racing takes energy management and conversion to a whole new level. All-electric race cars are engineered to maximise energy conservation and conversion (in regeneration mode). The remarkable new 99X Electric cars unveiled for Season 9 maximise regeneration capacity with front and rear powertrains that almost double the generative potential of their Gen2 predecessors, which were only equipped with rear powertrains. They’re also lighter and more aerodynamic – all of which contribute to blistering top speeds of over 320 km/h.
Sustainable design
The stunning new Porsche 99X electric cars that will be revealed in Season 9 have been designed for ultimate sustainability. All Gen3 suppliers operate in line with top international standards to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing (ISO 14001) and must have a 3-star FIA Environmental Accreditation rating. Among other sustainable processes is the use of recycled material from retired 99X Electrics! This includes tyre rubber and carbon fibre for the bodywork. The advanced Gen3 batteries also consist of sustainably sourced minerals, which will be reused and recycled at the end of their life.
New places, new faces
In addition to classics such as Mexico City, Monaco, Rome, Berlin, London and Diriyah, the 9th season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has four new, exciting tracks in store for motorsport fans: São Paulo, Cape Town, Hyderabad and Portland. After last year's premiere, Jakarta is also back as a race location. For the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the addition of António Félix Da Costa is exciting news indeed. The talented and highly awarded Portuguese driver replaces André Lotterer, pairing up with Pascal Wehrlein in a power driving duo that is predicted to make waves on the circuit. Speaking of the cockpit, there is, in fact, one more addition to the Team with the 22-year-old, ambitious David Beckmann joining Simona De Silvestro as a replacement driver.
When do we go green?
Official testing starts in Valencia, Spain from 11–14 December 2022. The Championship kicks off properly with the first race on 14 February 2023 in Mexico City, where the team had their best result in Season 8 – a spectacular one-two win. As such, the circuit holds a special significance for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. And, naturally, hopes for a Valentine’s Day victory are not far from their hearts. Whatever Season 9 brings, it’s certain to be an emotional rollercoaster.