Formula E's stepped up its game as it switches to pay TV
As Formula E enters its tenth season, it's still seen with scepticism by racing fans. But as coverage switches to pay TV, it is now worth watching, says Damien Smith
Formula E 2018/19 calendar announced, with the notable absence of a British round
The FIA has published the Formula E calendar for 2018/19 after the World Motor Sport Council’s meeting in Manila. The long-awaited return of a British round, however, hasn’t come to fruition – but there are gaps in the calendar.
The season begins in Saudi Arabia on December 15, finishing on July 14, 2019, in New York City.
Marrakesh, Mexico City and Hong Kong return, as do the European rounds of Rome, Paris, Monaco, Berlin and Zurich.
With the Gen2 car making its debut next season, further changes have been outlined to account for the new car, which will do away with mid-race car swaps.
Drivers will have two power modes over the whole race, with the default 200kW mode available throughout and the ability to use a 225kW power mode in designated zones (much like DRS zones). The use of that ‘hyberboost’ is mandatory, and will be indicated by the LEDs on the new halo head protection device.
‘Fanboost’ remains, with three drivers utilising fans’ votes to take their maximum power output to 250kW.
Race distances will run to 45-minutes plus one lap to reach the finish line, with bonus points being given to the driver who achieves the fastest lap and the driver in the top five who has used the least amount of energy.
Round | City | Country | Date |
1 | Ad Diriyah | Saudi Arabia | December 15 2018 |
2 | Marrakesh | Morocco | January 12 2019 |
3 | TBA | TBA | January 26 2019 |
4 | Mexico City | Mexico | February 16 2019 |
5 | Hong Kong | China | March 10 2019 |
6 | TBA | China | March 23 2019 |
7 | Rome | Italy | April 13 2019 |
8 | Paris | France | April 27 2019 |
9 | Monaco | Monaco | May 11 2019 |
10 | Berlin | Germany | May 25 2019 |
11 | Zurich | Switzerland | June 9 2019 |
12 | New York City | USA | July 13 2019 |
13 | New York City | USA | July 14 2019 |
As Formula E enters its tenth season, it's still seen with scepticism by racing fans. But as coverage switches to pay TV, it is now worth watching, says Damien Smith
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