Salazar: Santiago will be challenging

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Salazar: Santiago will be challenging

Salazar: Santiago will be challenging

After the announcement of the 2018 Antofagasta Minerals Santiago E-Prix, taking place on February 3 2018, Formula E caught up with Santiago born ex-racing driver Eliseo Salazar about driving through the streets of Santiago and why it's the right time to launch Formula E in Chile.

What do you think of Formula E coming to the streets of Santiago?
We've been working on bringing Formula E to Santiago for the past four years, so it's great to finally launch it here. It took some time because we had to work with the Government and various representatives from the city but it's great to finally see it here.

What does Formula E mean for the city?
I've been a big follower and fan of the series since it started - it's not just the future, it's also now the present. It's the right time to bring the Formula E to Santiago - Formula E has exploded in the past few months and this will be the most exciting championship we've held in the city.

Do you think it will change people's attitude towards electric mobility?
Yes, absolutely. It's our goal to change people's attitudes in Santiago and in Chile as a whole. Demonstrating how well electric mobility works through the E-Prix will help make the city a better place in the future.

What do you make of the track?
It will be a challenge for the drivers to race through the middle of the city but it goes through some of the most beautiful parts. The track goes around Plazza Baquedano, which is a very popular attraction - it's where people go to celebrate victory in sporting events, so it's nice to see it included for the race.

How did the SPARK SRT_01E compare to other single-seaters you've driven?
I loved driving the car. Funnily enough, I was driving it 20 years to the day since my last IndyCar race - it felt great to be back in a single-seater. I just wish I was half the age so I could compete! It's different from the cars I raced in my time - the torque is instant. I think it will be a real challenge for the drivers to race the cars in Santiago.

Would you like to see more Formula E in Chile?
Of course - I'd like to see the Santiago E-Prix as a permanent fixture on the Championship calendar. We want to have Formula E here for years to come!