Overview

Behind-the-scenes insight into the world’s premier all-electric racing series

By Sam Smith

Forewords by Jean Todt and Alejandro Agag

Formula E is leading the way for the future of motorsport, promoting electric power for a sustainable future while providing thrilling racing. This official book, produced with the full cooperation of Formula E, gives the reader an ‘access all areas’ pass to provide a fascinating insight into the series and its inner workings. The book looks at the origins and history of Formula E, follows the evolution of the series, examines the design, engineering and technology of the cars, collects views from drivers and engineers about the challenges involved, and takes a close-up look at the organisation of a race weekend. This is a must-have book for all fans of Formula E as well as those coming to the series for the first time and wanting to know more about it.

• The Formula E story: origins of the concept; its DNA of city-centre racing worldwide; anatomy of the original Spark-Renault SRT_01E Gen 1 car; the sporting regulations; summary of seasons from the start in 2014/15.

• Formula E’s development moves into its second phase: the new Gen 2 car introduced for the 2018/19 season, with increased range (eliminating mid-race car swaps), more power and added aesthetic flamboyance.

• The Gen 2 car described and analysed in detail: chassis, bodywork, aerodynamics, powertrain, battery, electrical equipment; suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres, cockpit controls and safety equipment.

• The engineer’s view (Jaguar racing technical manager Phil Charles): vehicle dynamics and car set-up; a small, well-drilled team; scrutineering and technical checks; procedures through a race weekend; the importance of braking.

• The driver’s view (long-time Formula E driver Oliver Turvey): cockpit controls and settings; the driving challenge; the importance of the simulator; practice and qualifying; and finally the race itself.

• Forewords by Jean Todt, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and Alejandro Agag, Chairman and Founder of Formula E.

• Tabular details of car specifications and season results.

  
  

Sam Smith is a journalist and media specialist with extensive experience specifically in Formula E and endurance sportscar racing, but also many other categories of motorsport. He has attended all but six Formula E races since the start of the series in 2014, and has reported on Formula E for Autosport, Motorsport.com and the e-racing 365 website. He has also been the host of many post-race press conferences in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Formula E. He has contributed to many other magazines, including Motor Sport, Racecar Engineering, Motorsport Aktuell and the official FIA magazine. Residing in Cambridgeshire, UK, he is married with a daughter and is part of the founding editorial team of ‘The Race’ digital motorsport channel.

Reviews

“If Formula E is your racing bag, this is the book for you… A gripping read… profusely illustrated and beautifully produced... And at only £35 for a full-colour hardback it’s also remarkable value for money.”
David Tremayne, GrandPrix+

“Delivers on its promise of providing behind-the-scenes insight… accessible, richly illustrated… the technical side of Formula E is explored in depth, yet in a manner that isn’t a turn-off to those without an engineering degree.”
Autosport

“Real insight.”
Racecar Engineering

“This book should answer most questions which the reader might have about Formula E… Technicalities are covered extensively with plentiful images which even the non-technically minded should be able to understand… This attractive book will surely stand as the definitive story… excellent value.”
BRDC Bulletin