– ABB FIA Formula E Championship to be decided in Berlin at Tempelhof Airport, following approval of the FIA.
– Six behind-closed-door races to take place in nine days.
– Three double-headers on multiple track layouts to be held in quick succession on August 5/6, 8/9 and 12/13.
– Formula E and the FIA to implement strict safety measures to protect staff and competitors.
London, UK (June 17, 2020) – Formula E is set to resume racing in August at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin following approval of the FIA, with six races in nine days deciding who will win the 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
The historic German airfield has been chosen to close out the current season, hosting three double-headers in quick succession on August 5/6, 8/9 and 12/13. Each pair of races will use a different track configuration, presenting opportunities for distinct strategies and the conditions for Formula E’s unpredictable and exciting racing.
Formula E had already completed five races before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, with DS TECHEETAH driver Antonio Felix da Costa (PRT) topping the standings, but only 11 points clear of nearest rival Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans (NZL).
Da Costa will be looking to use the six-race season finale in Berlin to seal his first Formula E title, promoting him onto the champions’ roll of honour alongside his DS TECHEETAH team-mate and two-time reigning champion Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA).
The three double-headers in Berlin will complete Formula E’s revised season six calendar, taking the total number of rounds to 11. With the top-four drivers in the championship separated by fewer points than a single race win offers, it’s still all to play for when the racing recommences in Berlin.
Formula E and the FIA have been working in close consultation with teams and local authorities to define a robust plan to conclude the championship in a safe manner. To mitigate risk, Formula E is implementing strict safety measures including racing behind closed doors with only essential staff and competitors travelling to the event.
As per German government guidelines, there will be a maximum number of 1,000 people on site at any given time, including local suppliers and medical crews. All other operations will be carried out remotely.
Key health and safety protocol includes mandatory coronavirus testing prior to the races, as well as on-site screening every day upon arrival at the track. Formula E will also actively enforce the use of face masks, social distancing and limit movement across workspaces with clearly defined zones for different event populations.
Track configurations and race start times will be revealed in due course on official Formula E digital platforms.
Chief Executive Officer of Formula E
Jamie Reigle
“Since taking action to suspend our season in March, we have emphasised a revised calendar which places the health and safety of our community first, represents Formula E’s distinct brand of city-centre racing and offers an exciting conclusion to the compelling season of racing we had seen so far. We’re heading to Berlin Tempelhof, a venue that our teams, drivers, and fans love, to stage a nine-day festival of racing with three back-to-back double-headers.”The festival will feature three track layouts, presenting a new challenge and creating the conditions for an unpredictable and drama-filled climax to our season. The team at Formula E has been working incredibly hard over the past weeks to enable us to go racing again in Berlin. I’d like to thank the FIA, our manufacturers, teams, and partners for their continued support, the city of Berlin for their cooperation and flexibility, and our fans for their patience.”
About the ABB FIA Formula E Championship >>
The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is the closest and most competitive category in motorsport, with unpredictable and exciting electric racing in the centre of the world’s most iconic cities.Formula E is the fastest-growing series in motorsport and boasts the best roster in racing, where renowned road car manufacturers and automotive brands battle it out for points, position and the ultimate prize to be crowned champion.Though it is more than just a race on the track, Formula E is also a proving ground and platform with a higher purpose – to test new technologies, drive development to the production line and put more electric cars on the road.Using the spectacle of sport, the ABB FIA Formula E Championship is sending a powerful message to speed-up the switch to electric, in a bid to counteract climate change and address the devastating effects of air pollution. www.FIAFormulaE.com
About ABB >>
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com
Sources: Formula E PR
Photo ‘Courtesy of Formula E’