Formula E Returns to Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport with a New Twist
The buzz is back as Formula E zooms into Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport for Rounds 9 and 10 of Season 10. With the track feeling familiar yet fresh, fans are in for an electrifying treat both on and off the asphalt.
Same Venue, Fresh Layout:
Berlin’s status as Formula E’s steadfast host remains unshaken. However, this time around, the track layout gets a major makeover. Brace yourselves for a revamped 2.343km circuit boasting 15 challenging turns. While the thrill of the vibrant atmosphere and the track’s gritty surface remain, it’s a whole new ball game with an anti-clockwise setup for both races. Get ready to ride the rollercoaster of excitement and surprises!
It’s not just about clocking laps; it’s about seizing every overtaking opportunity. Last year’s races witnessed an astounding 362 overtakes in just 83 laps, showcasing Tempelhof Airport’s knack for heart-racing maneuvers. Plus, with a record-breaking eight drivers taking turns leading laps in the inaugural race, anticipation for jaw-dropping moments is at an all-time high. Get set for edge-of-your-seat action throughout the weekend!
As Formula E aficionados gear up for the double-header race bonanza, all eyes are locked on Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport. Here, speed, strategy, and spectacle converge in a high-voltage showcase of motorsport excellence.
Barnard Steps Up as Bird Takes a Back Seat
Following a hand injury sustained during the Monaco E-Prix, NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird will miss the action in Berlin. With 119 Formula E races under his belt, Bird’s absence opens the door for Taylor Barnard to shine once again alongside Jake Hughes for the Berlin double-header.
Despite being Formula E’s youngest-ever starter in Monaco, the 19-year-old Barnard impressed by finishing his debut race in 14th place, starting from the back of the grid. With Bird undergoing successful surgery on his hand, the team is rallying behind him for a speedy recovery to get back on track.
Team Principal Ian James expressed optimism about Bird’s recovery and praised Barnard for his stellar performance in Monaco. As Barnard gears up for another chance to showcase his talent, the team eagerly anticipates Bird’s return to the driver’s seat.
With Bird sidelined temporarily, all eyes are on Barnard as he prepares to seize the opportunity and make his mark in Formula E once again.
Diversity Reigns with Seven Different Winners in Eight Races
Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans clinched his first victory of Season 10 in Monaco, thanking teammate Nick Cassidy for his support in securing the top spot. Evans’ win marks the seventh different victor in the season’s first eight races, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of Formula E.
Among the contenders, only Pascal Wehrlein of TAG Heuer Porsche boasts a double win in Season 10, leading the championship standings with 102 points. Wehrlein’s victories in Misano and Mexico City, along with three Julius Baer Pole Positions, solidify his dominance on the track this year.
Oliver Rowland of Nissan claimed his second-ever Formula E win in Tokyo, while Maximilian Guenther of Maserati MSG Racing emerged victorious in Tokyo, making it five winners in five races. NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird triumphed emotionally in São Paulo, and Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy secured a win in Diriyah.
The winner’s circle also includes Dennis, with a victory in Diriyah, and Wehrlein’s triumphant start to the season in Mexico City. Notably, four different powertrains have contributed to the diverse winners’ list, with Porsche leading the pack with three victories, followed by Nissan and Jaguar with two each. STELLANTIS rounds out the lineup with one win so far.
As Formula E continues to deliver thrilling races and unexpected outcomes, fans can anticipate more excitement and drama as the season unfolds.
Formula E Welcomes New Faces in the Paddock
Formula E gears up for an exciting weekend with the introduction of several new additions and familiar faces into the garages. Due to pre-existing commitments in the FIA World Endurance Championship, teams are turning to Reserve Drivers to fill in the gaps.
Envision Racing faces a significant change as reigning Teams’ World Champions Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns are unavailable for Round 9 due to a calendar clash. Joel Eriksson and Paul Aron will take the wheel in their absence, with Eriksson bringing his Formula E experience and Aron showcasing his talent as an emerging young racer.
Meanwhile, at Mahindra Racing, Season 7 World Champion Nyck de Vries makes way for Jordan King, who boasts extensive knowledge of Mahindra’s M10Electro. Kelvin van der Linde returns to ABT CUPRA, replacing Nico Mueller, while Barnard fills in for the injured Sam Bird.
With fresh faces and seasoned talent ready to take on the track, Formula E promises an action-packed weekend filled with surprises and thrills.
Tackling the Tough Terrain
Formula E heads to Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, where the challenging concrete slabs, originally designed for planes, provide a unique test for all-electric single-seaters.
The bumpy surface poses a distinct challenge for teams and drivers, with higher degradation for Hankook tires and energy management complexities. Despite the hurdles, Berlin remains a favorite among many, offering some of the best action on the calendar.
DS PENSKE’s Deputy Team Principal describes the track as “pebblemac,” with large concrete blocks embedded with stones, creating a surface aggressive on tires. With fast corners and tricky energy management, teams must adapt their setups to the unique demands of the circuit.
As Formula E navigates the tough terrain of Tempelhof, fans can expect thrilling racing and strategic battles, making Berlin a standout event on the championship calendar.
Berlin Rookie Test Returns to Formula E
Get ready for the thrill of the Berlin Rookie Test, where all 11 World Championship teams will nominate two fresh faces for a day of action-packed running on May 13th. This special event has a track record of introducing some of motorsport’s biggest names to Formula E, many of whom have gone on to secure full-time seats in the series.
While teams can field drivers with prior Formula E experience, rookies must not be listed on the Season 10 Entry List or have competed in a Formula E race before. With line-ups announced, anticipation is high as talented individuals prepare to hit the Berlin circuit in the powerful GEN3 machines.
Zane Maloney and Jak Crawford will represent Andretti, while W Series race winner Alice Powell returns to Envision. Frederik Vesti, the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Vice Champion, is set to make his debut with Mahindra, and F1 Academy’s inaugural champion Marta García will seize the opportunity with ERT.
Past rookies-turned-stars like Nick Cassidy, Sacha Fenestraz, Jake Hughes, Norman Nato, and Sergio Sette Camara have paved the way, showcasing the immense talent nurtured through the Rookie Test. With names like Antonio Giovinazzi, Alexander Albon, Kyle Kirkwood, Arthur Leclerc, and Jamie Chadwick also making their mark, the Berlin Rookie Test promises a showcase of future Formula E stars in the making.
