ABB FIA Formula E World Championship have announced a version of the MINI Electric Pacesetter will be the new safety car at selected races this season. It will replace the current BMW i8 Coupé, in line with MINI’s and FIA Formula E’s commitment to full electric mobility and sustainability.
Bruno Correia, the current FIA Formula E safety car driver, seemed to approve of the new car: “Agility, performance, cool looking car. The MINI Electric Pacesetter Safety Car of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has got it all.“
The MINI Electric Pacesetter will blend the iconic design of the MINI brand with the performance of its John Cooper Works branch. “The MINI Electric is the fusion of legendary racing genes and iconic MINI road cars, combining all-electric innovation with high performance, thrilling handling and a spirit of fun“, according to an official FIA Formula E statement.
The head of MINI design, Oliver Heilmer, has more detail on the technical specifications of the car. He said technical considerations were taken into account for many of the design elements.
They also worked very closely with BMW Motorsport for the “form of the wheel arches and front and rear aprons” as well as “the optimisation programme for them [which had] included weight-saving measures.”
He believes the “visually striking, technically precise design language [gave] the car its pervasive sense of emotional engagement and excitement.”
The next race for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is to take place on 10/11 April 2021, starting at 16:00 and 13:00 local time respectively (15:00 and 12:00 BST).
