In the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, it's all about the drivers right? No, not quite. In reality, it's about more than the drivers - much more. It's about you, the fans - of course - the teams, the track designers, the ticket vendors and, above all, the volunteers. Without the people who dedicate their time to ensure the success and safety of every motor sport event, the chances are the ABB FIA Formula E Championship wouldn't be able to bring all-electric racing to your city centres all around the world. And we wouldn't want that now, would we?
Coordinated by the FIA, motorsport's governing body, close to200 volunteers ensure that each Formula E race runs smoothly and safely. "Without the volunteers, we could not host any kind of racing," says the organisation's President Jean Todt. With everyone from on-track marshals to medical staff, they're the people that make the race happen. "It's around sport - you need to have the participants, the competitors and you need to have the officials that allow things to happen."
Honouring those who dedicate their time to motorsport, Todt chose the 2018 BMW i Berlin E-Prix to celebrate the efforts of motor sport's unsung heroes. "Of course, to have the opportunity to celebrate the volunteers day, in Berlin today and all over the world...is a big privilege for me. Without their passion, without their commitment auto sport could not be hosted."
In an immaculate race, where home race hero and Poleman Daniel Abt led the pack from start to finish, bringing home a one-two finish for German team Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler, the Berin race was a historic moment in the series five-year history. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do," said Todt. "I'm very privileged to have you hosting, participating and honouring us at the event," he added.