As the ABB FIA Formula E Championship readies itself for a brand-new season of the series with the launch of new tracks, drivers, teams and all-new Gen 2 cars; the series have now launched the eagerly-awaited Attack Mode ahead of the inaugural race of the 2018-19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Riyadh on 15 December. Attack Mode will provide a unique and innovative dynamic to the race with different drivers having to manage their power throughout the race while wanting to exploit the increase in power gained by this new feature.
New for this season, drivers can use Attack Mode at any time during the race from the second lap- just like DRS in Formula 1– which will allow drivers up and down the field to gain an advantage. It works by the power of the car temporarily gaining an increase in power from 200 KW to 225 KW for a short burst during the race.
Attack Mode is a mandatory feature for all drivers to use for a prescribed time dependent on race and circuit length to be prescribed by the FIA ahead of every race meeting.
For a driver to activate Attack Mode, the driver must pass through the defined ‘activation zone’, which is off the racing line, so a driver may have to weigh up losing positions from a tardy exit verses the reward of the power boost. The driver will then be required to switch the dial to Attack Mode and manoeuvre through three timing sensors to complete the loop.
Attack Mode will carry with it huge strategic complications, with the drivers being required to complete the whole race in one car means that energy management while using Attack Mode will be a difficult act to balance.
The Formula E host broadcast will create graphics to allow the fans to follow the use of the Attack Mode feature, with the Attack Mode feature also displayed on the track to ensure the fans are not confused by the nature of this new feature. Hence, a new chart will be mapped, displaying who has used what being clear for everyone to see on top of the usual available energy remaining graphics we currently see.
Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E is delighted with the announcement of the new feature, saying: “Formula E broke the mould by being the first to go electric – so it’s clear we aren’t scared of trying new things.
“Whether that’s introducing new on-track innovations or tweaking the format of the race, or creating new ways for fans to follow or interact with the sport.
“I’m eager to see the competitive debut of the Gen2 car and ATTACK MODE in action during a race scenario on the tight and challenging street circuits that’ve come to define our series.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and this is the year where the ABB FIA Formula E Championship comes of age.”
The different modes will be denoted using florescent LED lights integrated into the halo above the driver’s head; when the LED glows blue the car will be in Attack Mode (225 KW), which will change to magenta when deploying FANBOOST (240 KW). The halo will then dealuminate when the driver is operating in standard race mode.
