The Spark-Renault SRT_01E, which was unveiled to the world in September this year in preparation for the FIA Formula E Championship that kicks off later on next year, finally turned its wheels at the hands of test driver Lucas di Grassi at the La Ferté Gaucher circuit, located just outside Choisy-le-Roi, France.
It was a chance of making sure that all the systems that the race car will use during the 10-race calendar were functioning as per specification. Di Grassi himself enjoyed the chance of driving the Formula E car for the very first time and said that it looks promising for all those teams and drivers that will compete: “I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car – it has quite a lot of grip and the electric motor produces huge torque.”
Some of the international partners that have clubbed together to help make this series a reality is are well-known entities within motorsport, especially with the fact that McLaren, Williams, Dallara, Renault and Michelin are making it happen in the first series that sees electric power rule the streets.
Spark Racing Technology‘s president Frédéric Vasseur said that the maiden outing for the SRT_0E gave the team that has been hard at work getting the car to the track a host in confidence to move forward, even with a smaller battery that was just at 25% power of what all 20 drivers will experience around the world.
“Everything went very well and it was a very positive maiden run for the Spark-Renault SRT_01E. The car ran for around 40 laps with no issues straight out of the box, which looks good for the overall reliability,” said Vasseur, who went on to say that the next test that is planned within the next few weeks will see the car’s potential increased, with the ultimate aim being a full-scale race simulation.
Formula E Holdings‘ CEO Alejandro Agag was also on hand to witness the defining moment for the series, as he personally saw the car in action, and gave his thoughts ahead of the first race, after such hard work to get the series going from dream to an eventual reality: “The first test was a historic moment for the championship and we’re delighted with how it has gone. We think teams, drivers and fans will love the way it looks and sounds. Now Frédéric and his team, together with Lucas, will begin to put mileage on the car, focusing on durability. It’s a very exciting development and we can’t wait for that first race in Beijing in September 2014 to see all 20 cars lined-up on the grid.”
