NextEV TCR drivers Oliver Turvey and Nelson Piquet Jr have said that the new Berlin ePrix circuit will present a big challenge ahead of the race this weekend.
The circuit has moved to the city centre for this year after last year’s venue at the Templehof Airport became unavailable. The new track includes two tight hairpins at turns one and ten, in addition to some high speed corners at the Strausberger Platz.
Turvey, who was originally going to miss the race, said, “This year’s Formula E track in the centre of Berlin looks like a great circuit to race on, with a number of hairpins and straights, making braking and acceleration important. There are also a couple of high speed corners around the Strausberger Platz, which look to be the most challenging area and the part of the circuit I’m most looking forward to driving.
“The biggest challenge with Berlin will be learning how the new track characteristics influence the tyres and car balance in practice, to be able to maximise the single qualifying lap and be efficient with the energy in the race.”
Reigning Formula E champion Piquet Jr also said he was looking forward to the challenge of learning a brand new track, “Last year we raced at Templehof Airport but this year it will move to the city centre, so it is essentially a brand new race for us.” he commented.
“I think it’s going to be really interesting racing right in the heart of Berlin. The Formula E concept is to bring racing to the people in city centres, and that’s definitely what we will be doing in Berlin this year. The hairpin turns will be interesting to watch I’m sure and we’ll be working to put on a great show for Germany!”
Both drivers will be looking to salvage some respectability from this season after a disappointing show in the last round in Paris. Despite showing an upturn in form for qualifying, with both cars in the top ten, the race proved to be a disaster as Turvey finished well outside of the points, and Piquet Jr retired with six laps to go.