Bold new look for the 2016-17 season of FIA Formula E, as the Championship moves to its third outing. The stunning new wing design resembles that of the RoboRace concepts by Daniel Simon, revleaed back in March earlier this year. The new design should serve more than one purpse though, with the original design found to be used more as a bumper in the previous two series than any actual benefit to downforce.
The city street nature of Formula E means racing is close and the cars trade places and paint regularly. Many a nose cone has been the cause of disappointment and the odd yellow flag due to debris out on track. The new design appears far more sturdy and moves the open-wheel racers toward a more enclosed and stylish future.
The new two-tier wing also makes the fully-electric single-seater more aggressive and helps to differentiate it from any other racing car in the world. It was first seen when teams tested out the new design during private pre-season testing to make sure it withstood the rigours of the race track and worked as it should. No doubt like Formula One cars, the new nose will have undergone painstaking crash tests to ensure safety to drivers in the event of a collision.
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag, said: “Formula E aims to be different, and this new front wing creates a look that’s different to every other car out there. I think this is a great addition to our car and further emphasises the fact that this is a modern, forward-thinking championship that is taking a completely different approach to all other racing series.”
FIA President Jean Todt, said: “The FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great environment in which to develop a completely electric powertrain with new battery technologies, but it is also a platform for experimenting with innovative solutions when it comes to designing single-seater racing cars.”
Reigning Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi (Renault e.Dams), added: “I like the look of the new front wing – it looks a little bit more futuristic, and from inside the car you can see the top part of the wing, so visually for the driver there is also a small change. We want Formula E to look different and be different, and the new wing is a good way of showing that. I don’t think it will make too big of an impact on aero which isn’t in the ethos of this championship – but it’s a good way to show visual development heading to Hong Kong for the start of season three.”
The first public outing for the new-look Formula E car will be at the opening group test, held at Donington Park on August 23. More details on pre-season testing will be revealed soon.
Source; FIA Formula E
