On 16 July, all-electric racing returns to the streets of New York City – kicking off a high-profile of a two-day E-Prix event. This is the fifth time the city will host the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. And, for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the pressure looms as high as the skyscrapers themselves.
In the world of racing, the New York E-Prix enjoys a unique place - Formula E is the first FIA racing series to have obtained permission to race in one of New York's boroughs. For decades, Bernie Ecclestone tried to hold a Formula 1 race within the orbit of the "Big Apple" - without success. So, this event has a sense of excitement and exclusivity that’s all its own.
For our drivers André Lotterer and Pascal Wehrlein, the heat is on. Last year, although they were almost within striking range of the podium, they were thwarted. Both drivers had their best runs on the second day, coming in 6th and 4th respectively. This year they plan to take ownership of the New York circuit. And, with the Manhattan skyline creating an iconic background, the 2,32km course in Red Hook harbour, Brooklyn presents plenty of challenges as well as opportunities for drivers.
Just like the city itself, the track is fast, unpredictable and tough. Two long straights run parallel down the full length of the waterfront warehouses. Here you can expect to see the TAG Heuer Porsche 99X Electrics going flat-out. But, there’s no time to stretch out here. At the end of each straight, the course pulls up suddenly into technically demanding tight curves, before weaving through the harbour and doubling back to the straight going the other way. In the far southwest corner, the hairpin T10 widens enough on the outside to accommodate the Attack Zone. Here, if you look out across the water you can see the Statue of Liberty. But this is no time for distraction - as Pascal found out to his cost in the first race in 2021. Lining up for Attack Mode, he clipped the back of another car, forcing him to withdraw due to damage.
New York, New York: It’s the city where dreams come true – or fall by the wayside. As the song goes, “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” Will André, Pascal and rest of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team be able to make it happen? Join us at the New York E-Prix on 16-17 July.
For our drivers André Lotterer and Pascal Wehrlein, the heat is on. Last year, although they were almost within striking range of the podium, they were thwarted. Both drivers had their best runs on the second day, coming in 6th and 4th respectively. This year they plan to take ownership of the New York circuit. And, with the Manhattan skyline creating an iconic background, the 2,32km course in Red Hook harbour, Brooklyn presents plenty of challenges as well as opportunities for drivers.
Just like the city itself, the track is fast, unpredictable and tough. Two long straights run parallel down the full length of the waterfront warehouses. Here you can expect to see the TAG Heuer Porsche 99X Electrics going flat-out. But, there’s no time to stretch out here. At the end of each straight, the course pulls up suddenly into technically demanding tight curves, before weaving through the harbour and doubling back to the straight going the other way. In the far southwest corner, the hairpin T10 widens enough on the outside to accommodate the Attack Zone. Here, if you look out across the water you can see the Statue of Liberty. But this is no time for distraction - as Pascal found out to his cost in the first race in 2021. Lining up for Attack Mode, he clipped the back of another car, forcing him to withdraw due to damage.
New York, New York: It’s the city where dreams come true – or fall by the wayside. As the song goes, “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” Will André, Pascal and rest of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team be able to make it happen? Join us at the New York E-Prix on 16-17 July.