The Lucas di Grassi Formula E Thread

[SammiRei]

However, in the past few days, Mercedes have hinted that they may not remain in FE beyond next year for the Gen3 model of car, so there may actually be hope yet...

That's a little concerning, given both BMW and Audi have already pulled out citing a lack of further development opportunities from next year onwards.

[dr-baker]

Article on Autosport says that FE will start discussing Gen4 rules soon, and that nothing will be left off the table, including hydrogen fuel cell power trains. If they do this, I will be very enthusiastic. Wonder if that could lead to in race refuelling and therefore longer races if they go down that route? With a fuel limit, they could still insist on fuel saving if they insist on that as their USP.

[dr-baker]

Maserati to return to single seater racing at the start of the Gen3 rules for the first time since the 1950s, but not joining their then rivals Ferrari and Alfa Romeo in F1 again.

[SammiRei]

McLaren have declared they want to take over from Mercedes from next year, and Abt Sport have said they're looking to come in as a customer team (possibly of Mahindra), so we should be back up to 12 teams next year (or 13 if Maserati aren't taking over another existing team).

[dr-baker]

I feel like this will be the first season in which Sam Bird will not be a race winner. I hope to be proved wrong, but I fear that it will be very unlikely.

[dr-baker]

The pre-race stuff ahead of both races in London features Jacks Jones and a dance crew, with the lights going down. Not a great working environment for the mechanics, engineers and drivers a few minutes before a race start. And first lap contact leading to DNFs seem to happen more frequently at the London Excel track than anywhere else. Probably just a coincidence, call it correlation rather than causation, but it cannot have helped.

[dr-baker]

I feel like this will be the first season in which Sam Bird will not be a race winner. I hope to be proved wrong, but I fear that it will be very unlikely.

It is now confirmed. He will have an operation on his broken hand and will therefore miss the final double header in Seoul, and will be replaced by Norman Nato.

[SammiRei]

I had front-row seats on the first corner to the Sunday E-Prix (round 14), and it was a really awesome experience. First time I've been to a race, and definitely planning on going again next year (originally had tickets for 2020, until Covid happened). Really sad for Sam Bird, I was hoping he'd maintain his winning streak, but alas, not to be.

[Yannick]

Congrats to Stoffel Vandoorne for winning this year's Formula E Championship.

Now, I need to find out where I can get a Stoffel T-shirt.

[dinizintheoven]

BOOM!

Time to wake this thread up again. Round One of the Gen-3 era has happened... and I won't say anything in case those of you who didn't know it was live on Channel 4's ThemTube channel weren't watching it live and will be getting up early on a Sunday morning to watch it on old-school media instead (though maybe with the assistance of a recording device that's a lot more advanced than VHS).

The cars are, apparently, faster and the motors are rated at a maximum of 350 kW during ATTACK MODE and 300 kW otherwise. Seeing as that'll drain the battery a lot faster, there's more regenerative braking. Lucas di Grassi, who's driven every FE race there has ever been (including the one that's just happened) says the lap times aren't much lower because it's harder to put the power down on track - such is the potential pitfall with a powertrain that can deliver maximum torque from zero revs.

So, who overcame the pitfall, who fell into it, and who will probably be spared a visit to a completely lovely and safe country in the Middle East that's building a completely wonderful Smart City for nine million residents who will really, really want to live there and won't be coerced into doing so at all and where everyone skips happily though the sand dunes without a care in the world because Big Brother Most Definitely Isn't Watching You and certainly isn't waiting with a big stick to deal out a savage beating to anyone who steps out of line in a way that you already know what I mean?

Find out tomorrow morning, if you haven't already.

[dr-baker]

These new Gen 3 cars remind me of a Formula Jedi car a.k.a. F1000, certainly from the cockpit backwards. More in terms of the car being short and not as elongated as an Indycar or F1 or even a Le Mans prototype. It really does have the proportions of a junior race series car to me.

And it still isn't encouraging me to go electric with my road transport as I still don't see an electric car racing for the same duration as an F1 or Indycar race, let alone an endurance race, despite the progress since season 1 where they were changing cars. And the performance is not as high, and you HAVE to regen to be able to keep going? Doesn't do it for me I'm afraid.

However, I'm still enjoying watching this series...

[dinizintheoven]

And it still isn't encouraging me to go electric with my road transport...

Ooooh, careful now! The Cult of St. Greta will be coming after you!

You're right, though, despite their zeal, because...

...as I still don't see an electric car racing for the same duration as an F1 or Indycar race, let alone an endurance race, despite the progress since season 1 where they were changing cars. And the performance is not as high, and you HAVE to regen to be able to keep going? Doesn't do it for me I'm afraid.

I've said this for years; I will believe that electric cars are genuinely viable as everyday transport (in the same way as those powered by "dead dinosaur juice" - courtesy of the latest issue of the excellent Classic. Retro. Modern. magazine) when, and only when, an electrically-powered car beats its fossil-fuel-powered competitors at Le Mans. Until then, if I want to visit my uncle and aunt in Leeds, I can do so in my 15-year-old diesel Honda, whereas my naighbour's late-2010s Nissan leaf can't make the entire journey without having to recharge along the way.

However, I'm still enjoying watching this series...

As am I. And to this day, out of the 102 ePrixs that there have been, I've watched 102 of them (and been to one - remember that, all the way back in season 1?).

What I have not been enjoying about this weekend's two races should be obvious for anyone who's read my words (or between the lines, at least) for the last three or four years, but what I have enjoyed: Buemi versus Bird at the sharp end of the field is an excellent throwback to the ramshackle Gen-1 era, and the way that two organisations that are trying to elbow their way into F1 are opening a can of premium-quality whoopass on the rest of the FE field might be what finally gets them both into The World's Premier Motorsport That Is Mostly A Closed House. But, might the fact that McLaren are also near the front count against Porsche and Andretti? Will they be the ones to report to Liberty Media that both are a credible threat to the current F1 order? Time will tell.

Time will also tell if Dan Ticktum can finally rebuild the reputation that's harder to rebuild than anyone else in the entirety of motorsport, with the possible exception of Andrea Sassetti. If he goes on the way he is this season, it's possible. And I never thought I'd say that.

For now, bring on the 103rd ePrix. I'll be watching, even if Channel 4 is quite annoyingly only showing the live race on ThemTube so far this season.

[dr-baker]

And it still isn't encouraging me to go electric with my road transport...

Ooooh, careful now! The Cult of St. Greta will be coming after you!

I’m still up for hydrogen transportation. But only if there is more infrastructure in place. At the moment, I’m working in West London, and there is just about a minimum acceptable level of infrastructure in place for me to consider there. There are both police and taxis using Toyota Mirais and there are pumps at Beaconsfield and Cobham motorway services, plus one at Gatwick (these three I have physically seen) plus there are apparently another two at Heathrow/Hatton Cross and another in Twickenham. Nearer to home in Essex, there is allegedly one in the East End, in Romford. These last three I have yet to actually see yet. But for my British holidays, I typically drive, this includes the NorthWest, southern to mid Scotland, north Wales and Hampshire, plus Isle of Man and parts of Europe. I need a nationwide infrastructure and endurance/stamina from my noble stead to maintain the lifestyle that I am used to. And this is better than the alternative of flying that I would tend to lean towards instead.

Basically, if you want me out of my dinosaur-burning ICE car, give me a viable alternative that will actively entice me. And preferably by 2030. The clock is ticking, people!

I've said this for years; I will believe that electric cars are genuinely viable as everyday transport (in the same way as those powered by "dead dinosaur juice" - courtesy of the latest issue of the excellent Classic. Retro. Modern. magazine) when, and only when, an electrically-powered car beats its fossil-fuel-powered competitors at Le Mans. Until then, if I want to visit my uncle and aunt in Leeds, I can do so in my 15-year-old diesel Honda, whereas my naighbour's late-2010s Nissan leaf can't make the entire journey without having to recharge along the way.

I do believe we are singing from the same hymn sheet! (Religious symbolism apt given the fervour around this topic! Or do I mean Abt?)

What I have not been enjoying about this weekend's two races should be obvious for anyone who's read my words (or between the lines, at least) for the last three or four years, but what I have enjoyed: Buemi versus Bird at the sharp end of the field is an excellent throwback to the ramshackle Gen-1 era, and the way that two organisations that are trying to elbow their way into F1 are opening a can of premium-quality whoopass on the rest of the FE field might be what finally gets them both into The World's Premier Motorsport That Is Mostly A Closed House. But, might the fact that McLaren are also near the front count against Porsche and Andretti? Will they be the ones to report to Liberty Media that both are a credible threat to the current F1 order? Time will tell.

Time will also tell if Dan Ticktum can finally rebuild the reputation that's harder to rebuild than anyone else in the entirety of motorsport, with the possible exception of Andrea Sassetti. If he goes on the way he is this season, it's possible. And I never thought I'd say that.

For now, bring on the 103rd ePrix. I'll be watching, even if Channel 4 is quite annoyingly only showing the live race on ThemTube so far this season.

I have still yet to catch up with today’s race, but will do so before the weekend is out. (Sadly I addiction to Autosport means that I know it did happen.) Yes, I am sure you are referring to ‘sportswashing’ in your reference to not enjoying this weekend’s racing, yet there must be some relief no bombs have been reported this weekend, unlike the last Saudi F1 event…

And Tinktum is making progress. Or maybe it is just Nio333? But the rate he fell during the race yesterday does still mean he has a long way to go. So long as he keeps his nose clean, and remembers that these are not bumpercars, he’ll continue winning hearts and minds.

And it is frustration that FE is not on terrestrial but only on 2nd person pronouns Tube.

[dr-baker]

However, I'm still enjoying watching this series...

As am I. And to this day, out of the 102 ePrixs that there have been, I've watched 102 of them (and been to one - remember that, all the way back in season 1?).

I enjoyed meeting you at Battersea for the race, and at Donnington for some pre-season testing. Must do it again sometime.

[dr-baker]

Disastrous race for Jaguar in Hyderabad due to Sam Bird's unfortunate mistake.

No idea what caused DNFs for Kelvin van der Linde and Dan Tinktum, the latter of whom seems to qualify OK this year, but lacks race pace.

Hate catching up with the race later in the day on YouTube because of all the ads they put in, around every 5 laps or so.

And I want to know more about Jake Hughes's DNF. Something about the mirror getting in the way of the steering wheel?

[SammiRei]

Cape Town started 5 cars down and shed more during the race in what must be proving to be a costly season. Some good overtakes again, though gutted for Fenestraz, who was doing well right until he abruptly wasn't right at the end (C4's coverage didn't show exactly what happened, as they were somewhat understandably focussing on DaCosta vs Vergne at the front).
Nio333 definitely proving they aren't the weakest car in the field this year with Ticktum's 6th following immediately after Sette-Camera's 5th in Hyderabad.

[dr-baker]

Yeah, Dan Tinktum is surprising me this season. Everyone should have a chance at redemption I suppose, even if he did do some really rather despicable stuff in his junior career...

And I suppose Mahindra did the right thing on safety grounds, but it did deplete the field somewhat. An argument for more pre-season testing, to iron out these teething issues?

[dinizintheoven]

Nio333 definitely proving they aren't the weakest car in the field this year with Ticktum's 6th following immediately after Sette-Camera's 5th in Hyderabad.

It was pretty much obvious from the first race that Abt Cupra were stone dead last, but even so, NIO are punching above their weight at the moment. I'll bet Robin Frijns isn't in any mad rush for his wrist to heal, though... he can let Kelvin van der Linde take the pain of driving for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, I hear on the proper-automotive front that Jaguar are going to be in grave peril if nailing their colours fully to the electric mast doesn't work out the way St. Greta of Stockholm told them would definitely be the case. Just to keep themselves afloat, they might have to start winning on Sunday (or Saturday) regularly if they want to sell on Monday. And it's not as if the Land Rover half of JLR is going to help, either, now that the Ineos Grenadier has been launched. A local mechanic who's dedicated his life to working on Land Rovers says they're going to go to the wall this decade because the Discovery's not fit for purpose, the "Defender" isn't a Defender in any way, and anyone who wants one will buy the Grenadier instead.

Troubled times are ahead...

[dr-baker]

Nio333 definitely proving they aren't the weakest car in the field this year with Ticktum's 6th following immediately after Sette-Camera's 5th in Hyderabad.

It was pretty much obvious from the first race that Abt Cupra were stone dead last, but even so, NIO are punching above their weight at the moment. I'll bet Robin Frijns isn't in any mad rush for his wrist to heal, though... he can let Kelvin van der Linde take the pain of driving for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, I hear on the proper-automotive front that Jaguar are going to be in grave peril if nailing their colours fully to the electric mast doesn't work out the way St. Greta of Stockholm told them would definitely be the case. Just to keep themselves afloat, they might have to start winning on Sunday (or Saturday) regularly if they want to sell on Monday. And it's not as if the Land Rover half of JLR is going to help, either, now that the Ineos Grenadier has been launched. A local mechanic who's dedicated his life to working on Land Rovers says they're going to go to the wall this decade because the Discovery's not fit for purpose, the "Defender" isn't a Defender in any way, and anyone who wants one will buy the Grenadier instead.

Troubled times are ahead...

The Jaguar iPace eTrophy didn't help Jaguar's cause much then. But that series did have a name as ridiculous as Top Gear's Hammerhead Eagle iThrush...

[Barbazza]

Meanwhile, I hear on the proper-automotive front that Jaguar are going to be in grave peril if nailing their colours fully to the electric mast doesn't work out the way St. Greta of Stockholm told them would definitely be the case. Just to keep themselves afloat, they might have to start winning on Sunday (or Saturday) regularly if they want to sell on Monday. And it's not as if the Land Rover half of JLR is going to help, either, now that the Ineos Grenadier has been launched. A local mechanic who's dedicated his life to working on Land Rovers says they're going to go to the wall this decade because the Discovery's not fit for purpose, the "Defender" isn't a Defender in any way, and anyone who wants one will buy the Grenadier instead.

Troubled times are ahead...

Living in Birmingham means you're meant to regard JLR as some kind of local saviour. However....Jaguar haven't made an interesting car since about 1983 and as for Land Rover, I gather that they are shockingly badly made. Put it this way, I was walking somewhere once and passed one parked at the side of the road with the driver investigating the problem. The number plate revealed that it was part of the most recent registrations, making it (at most) a few weeks old.....