“Like playing chess at 200 kph.” World champion Lucas di Grassi explains why Formula E is so fascinating. And why it is the racing sport of the future. Text: Marin Majica, Lucas di Grassi C 46 onceived in 2012 and inaugurated in 2014, the FIA Formula E Championship quickly established itself in the racing world, revolutionizing motorsport. Formula E is the world’s first fully electric international street-racing series and consists of 12 ePrix competitions in 10 cities. It is currently broadcast in 117 countries, and is covered by international channels such as Fox Sports, Canal+, and Eurosport. Last season’s final in downtown Montreal drew some 45,000 spectators. The races all take place on city-center circuits. For the fourth season, namely the 2017/2018 championship, Formula E is visiting Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Paris, New York City, Santiago, Rome, Berlin, Mexico City, and Zurich – bringing motorsport back to Switzerland for the first time in 60 years. The 20 drivers (two per team) include many famous names such as Nick Heidfeld and Nelson Piquet Jr. And the number of participating teams and manufacturers is constantly growing – Porsche AG recently revealed its plans to enter Formula E from the 2019/20 season. The Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team has been a regular competitor in Formula E since the inaugural race in Beijing in 2014. The two drivers, Lucas Di Grassi and teammate Daniel Abt, have been on board since the first season, with both drivers taking multiple podium finishes. Di Grassi was not only the winner of the first ever Formula E race, he is also Formula E’s reigning world champion, having clinched victory in the 2016/17 season. So who could better explain the astonishing success of this racing series than the champion himself?
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