The Principality is about to rediscover the passion for electric motorsport. The ABB Formula E, within theFederation International de l'Automobile - FIA world tour, will stop in Monaco next weekend. An iconic stage running on the most popular Grand Prix circuit to reinforce the prior role played by the Principality in pushing the most advanced solutions with low environmental impact.
Besides the sport challenge involving both Formula 1 legends and new talents, the 7th edition of the Monaco E-Prix is, in fact, a great ecologic outcome resulting from breakthrough clean-energy technologies to achieve Gen3 single-seater cars. Long-life batteries makes them increasingly performant . On the 27th April 2024 the entire city will be involved in a unique sport ecological transition leisure event including whole-day entertainments, driving simulators and innovation exhibits at the Allianz Fan Village in Port Hercules, close to the Formula E track.
The one-day sport challenge will start early in the morning. Formula E free tests will begin at 8 a.m. while the midday qualifying lap will select the six drivers who achieve the best time, to compose the Super Pole and unveil the pole position winner. Around 3.30 p.m., the Monaco E-prix will get to the heart of the competition through a 45-minute race + 1 lap. An exciting and addictive challenge where riders are allowed to activate the Attack mode to recover 25 kW of additional power (compared to the 200kW average mode) and five of them can benefit from extra Fanboosts (of 25 kW power each) being attributed by supporters via FIA social media before the race start.
Tackling the Monegasque up-and-down urban route with one car for the whole race is a true technological achievement. Generation 3 Formula E cars reached a high level of sustainability, cleverly balanced with engineering high technology. They are able to reuse energy made by the regenerative braking system up to 40% of that used throughout the race. The synergy between the front and rear powertrain allowed to double the regenerative power up to 600kW. Thanks to a lighter and smaller frame, Gen3 cars can make the most of their engine potential to achieve the top speed of 200mph (320 km/h). Moreover, Formula E mechanical components largely comply with second life and end of life assessment, including tyres, carbon fibres and battery cells, in order to achieve net-zero carbon targets.
Sébastien Buemi, Jean-Éric Vergne, Antonio Felix Da Costa, Stoffel Vandoorne and Nick Cassidi are some of the champions playing in Formula E in which Felipe Massa has participated for two seasons (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) as one of the most experienced drivers thanks to his knowledge in Formula 1.
According to Jean Todt, former President of FIA: « The new Gen3 Formula E single-seater is a car created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability. (...)  This new single-seater will elevate Formula E to the next level ». Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E, reaffirmed: «The Gen3 is our fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient racing car yet ».
Monaco has been in pole position to support environmentally friendly motor sport since 2015 when FIA Formula E World Championship was launched by the will of Jean Todt and the businessman Alejandro Agag. On the 9th May 2021, Monaco E-Prix was born showcasing the latest electric ingle-seaters by Renault, Virgin Racing, Audi and the 'made in Monaco' Venturi Automobiles. Great champions paraded on the Monegasque stage. Notably, Sébastien Buemi, winner both in 2015 (1st edition) and 2017 (2nd edition), Jean-Éric Vergne from DS Techeetah team who reached the podium in 2019 (3rd edition), António Félix da Costa from DS Techeetah team who was first in 2021 (4th edition).
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The 2024 Monaco E-Prix circuit goes beyond expectations.
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The Monaco E-Prix circuit is just 3,3 km long but particularly tricky. That makes it so appealing and challenging. While in the first editions the circuit included only a part of the Grand Prix race, after 2021 it mainly corresponds to the Formula 1 route, thanks to the technical evolution, including the renowned Place du Casino. The the best Formula E drivers will come back to Monaco. Mitch Evans, Jean-Éric Vergne, Robin Frijns, António Félix da Costa, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck de Vries, who will win this year’s edition? Surely sustainability will be at winner's side. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication"Â by Springer International Publishing.
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