2014 Beijing Formula E: Electric Dreams

The Formula E series has been talked about and has been in the development stages for a few years now. It is called the future of racing, and on September 13, the world watched in awe the inaugural Formula E race. The series is dubbed “E-Prix” by some insiders mainly due to its power units producing zero emissions. The race was set against the backdrop of the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing China. Run on a street course, the race was a test of power management, strategy, and of course, wheel to wheel racing. As the fans flocked to the Bird’s Nest stadium, it was reported that the attendees could number around 78,000 fans with about 40 million believed to glued to their TV sets.

There are ten Formula E teams with two drivers and two cars for each driver. This is mainly because each car’s battery, when running at 250kph can only last about 30 minutes. So the drivers have to pit to change—not tires or batteries, but they jump into another car to complete the race distance. Managing the power reserves of each car was paramount and those that were able to get the most out of their power units had the opportunity to fight for the lead and the podium. As the race progressed, it was evident that the batteries will make an impact on the outcome of the race. As the teams got around to calling their drivers in to change cars in order for them to finish the race, Nicolas Prost, son of four-time Formula One World Drivers Champion, Alain Prost, was leading. From the looks of it, with the elder Prost in the pit, he was ready to take his first win. In the final lap, former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld took a slipstream tow from the Frenchman, and, coming into the last corner, dove to his left to try and outbrake the younger Prost. But Nicolas, probably lacking the race craft of his dad, or a bit too eager to defend his position, immediately tried to close the door on the German. They immediately touched, sending Heidfeld’s car flying and crashing hard onto the pavement. The suspension on Prost’s car was also badly damaged in the collision, and he had to retire a few meters from the finish line.

Lucas di Grassi of Audi Sport ABT, who was running third found himself the beneficiary of the collision between Prost and Heidfeld. Di Grassi took the flag and was crowned as the first ever winner of Formula E. Franck Montagny of Andretti Motorsport took the silver, and Sam Bird of Virgin Racing took the last step on the podium.

The next race is in Putrajaya, Malaysia on November 22. Rest assured that the series has made its presence felt, and this will not be the last time one will hear about Formula E.