Rome E-Prix preview: All-electric racing returns to the Eternal City for double the action on April 10 and 11

Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ) heads to Italy on top of the drivers’ standings, having completed a Formula E first in the Diriyah opener, topping the timesheets in Free Practice, Group Qualifying, Julius Baer Pole Position, and claiming his maiden race win and the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap for good measure.

Jaguar Racing lead the way in the teams’ standings as new signing Sam Bird sealed a dream victory in Round 2 in Diriyah. That result saw the Brit extend his unique streak of winning an E-Prix in every Formula E season to-date. It also drew him level with Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) in second on the all-time winners’ table with 10 victories. Bird is also a winner in the Italian capital, having won the inaugural race in 2018, and he’ll be among the favourites this time around.

Last time out in Rome, it was Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing) and André Lotterer (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) who fought tooth-and-nail for the full 45 minutes. In the end, it was the Kiwi who held his nerve, forcing Lotterer to settle for second with Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) rounding-out the podium positions.

The 19-turn 3.385km Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR has undergone a number of changes in close collaboration with local authorities for Season 7, and sees the track become the second longest in Formula E history behind Beijing.

The updates ensure the circuit’s character is retained, while strengthening Formula E’s legacy in the area by making more space for spectators at future events, bringing local businesses into the fold and carrying out important restoration work.

The Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazzale Marconi remain landmarks and, starting from this year, the circuit will wind its way around the iconic Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, also known as the “Square Coliseum”.

It’s a mix of high-speed runs and tight, complex sections and undulations with plenty of opportunities for overtaking at the hairpin and some 90-degree bends – peak Formula E and a big favourite of the drivers.

“The new layout is fantastic: it has longer and faster straights and offers more opportunities for overtaking,” said 2017 Formula E Champion, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler’s Lucas di Grassi. “I’m sure the fans will love it; I can’t wait to race there.”

Showing the natural alignment of Formula E’s reason and racing, in Rome the series will continue its series of Positively Charged grid moments, on this occasion, shining the spotlight on the new multi-year partnership with UNICEF’s Safe and Healthy Environment Fund.

Since Formula E first visited the city, e-mobility options for Rome’s residents have improved significantly. There are 60 electric minibuses operating across the city and Italy’s ‘Good Mobility’ policy encourages the use of electric bikes and has legalised electric scooters. Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, announced that the city would phase out diesel vehicles by 2024.

Rome’s impressive mobility response to COVID-19 has been recognised at European level, following its support of walking and cycling, enabling safe public transport, and its plan for 150km of transitory cycling routes. In total, €3.2 million has been set aside for Rome’s plan, with 20km of these lanes currently in place.

Formula E’s media partners will be broadcasting comprehensive coverage to millions of households through a combination of network and digital coverage. Ahead of Season 7’s debut in Diriyah, Formula E provided an update on its global media partners and broadcast coverage.

Looking to the double header in Rome this weekend, Formula E will strengthen its presence with increased exposure across a number of key territories:

– In Italy, both Italia 1 and Sky Sports Uno will be broadcasting live coverage from site, throughout the weekend.

– In Germany fans will be able to watch all the racing action from the Eternal City live on SAT.1 including 30 minutes of pre-race build up on both Saturday and Sunday, including expert opinion and analysis from ex-Formula E driver, Daniel Abt, live from the studio in Munich. Comprehensive coverage of the weekend will be available on the Ran.de platform.

– In the UK, BBC Two will be broadcasting Saturday’s E-Prix live, with digital coverage of both Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying and race sessions across BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website and the Red Button.

– Formula E fans in France will be able to take in the action live through the L’Equipe.fr digital platform with additional same day repeat coverage ‘as live’ on La Chaine L’Equipe.

– In Austria, fans will be able to catch all of the racing action live on ORF 1.

– Across Europe, Eurosport will also be airing Rounds 3 and 4 live on Eurosport 2, with qualifying highlights immediately before each race programme, and further coverage on Eurosport Player.

To find out where to watch the Formula E season opener, visit:www.fiaformulae.com/en/watch/ways-to-watch

The Formula E app allows fans to go behind the scenes and listen to driver radios, hearing live reactions as the race plays out. To listen in, download the app on iOSand Android.

There are more ways than ever before to follow the action from Formula E, all from the comfort of your home.

Vote for your favourite driver to receive an extra boost of power with FANBOOST via theFANBOOST websiteand Formula E app.

Can you predict the unpredictable? TheFormula E Predictor puts you in the hot seat to predict each round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Join the full Formula E race day experience as the Allianz E-Village goes virtual. Starting from Monday of race week and until the event comes to a close, the Virtual Allianz E-Village has fans covered with exclusive content straight from the paddock.

The action from Rome can be followed as it happens in the Live Hub. An all-new Live Timing experience – including a real-time interactive track map and the ability to follow your favourite driver – plus detailed session reports.

Round 3 and 4 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place in the Italian capital of Rome on April 10 & 11, with races starting at 16:00 and 13:00 local time (15:00 and 12:00 BST) respectively.

Audiences can plug in and follow the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube. @FIAFormulaE #ABBFormulaE

Formula E exists to accelerate sustainable human progress through the power of electric racing. The only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, Formula E was founded to counteract climate change by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings intense and unpredictable all-electric racing to the heart of iconic cities around the world. In its first six seasons, Formula E crowned five different champions and celebrated 17 winners in 69 races. With more automotive manufacturers on the grid than any other motorsport, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is not only one of the most compelling racing series on the planet but also an unparalleled proving ground for race-to-road electric vehicle and sustainable mobility technologies.

Powered by purpose and united by a passion to deliver edge-of-seat racing, the positively charged Formula E community of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, host cities, and fans work together to light up the world with the transformative power of electric racing.

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