Discover more
The FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s first all-electric single-seater racing series. But what do those words actually mean, how does the technology work, and who are the key players behind the scenes?
Read on to find out more…
Q
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways was the title sponsor of the Season 3 Paris ePrix and is the Airline partner of the New York City races
Qualcomm
Qualcomm is the Official Technology Partner of Formula E. The US-based multinational is a specialist in wireless technology and it is through it Halo technology that the official track vehicles supplied by BMW are charged. Qualcomm is also the official sponsor of the Safety Car and ahead of the Paris race it showcased its dynamic wireless charging technology, where cars traveling at over 60mph are able to be charged while in motion. In addition it is the title sponsor of the Qualcomm New York City ePrix.
Qualifying
Qualifying is the process that determines the starting order for the race. In Formula E, this process is divided into two parts. First is the qualifying groups. Here the drivers are split into four groups of five. Each group is given six minutes, during which the drivers must record their best time using full 200kw power. The five fastest drivers in the qualifying groups advance to Super Pole.
Positions 6-20 are determined by the times from the groups. In the event of two drivers setting the same time, it is the drive who recorded the time first who is considered to be the fastest. The drivers are split into groups because of the nature of the tracks Formula E races on, which in general are quite short and narrow. By restricting the number of cars on track at the same time, the potential for a driver to have his full-power lap compromised by traffic is limited.
Formula E's qualifying kings (number of pole positions):
1. Sebastien Buemi - 8
2. Jean-Eric Vergne - 4
3= Sam Bird - 3
3= Nico Prost - 3
5= Jerome D'Ambrosio - 2
5= Lucas di Grassi - 2
5= Felix Rosenqvist - 2
8= Daniel Abt - 1
8= Jarno Trulli - 1
8= Stephane Sarrazin - 1
8= Nelson Piquet Jr - 1
8= Oliver Turvey - 1
Qualifying Group Lottery
The composition of the qualifying groups is determined by a lottery. This takes place in the eVillage during the morning ahead of each race. The drivers attend in person and draw their own group.
R
Rast, Rene
German racer Rene Rast made a one-off appearance for Team Aguri in Season 2, standing in for Antonio Felix da Costa at the Berlin ePrix.
Renault
Renault was among the Founding Partners of Formula E and was in the first tranche of manufacturers to produce a bespoke powertrain for Season 2. Through its relationship with e.dams, Renault has achieved an extraordinary level of success, scoring points in every race, winning both Teams’ Championships and the Season 2 Drivers’ title.
It has also used its Formula E technology in concept road cars – the TreZor and Zoe e-Sport – which take elements of the Formula E powertrain and apply them into every day use.
Click here to see the Zoe e-Sport in action
Rimac
The Rimac Concept 1 is a one-megawatt all-electric hypercar that was also deployed as the Race Director’s car in Season 1. The Croatian creation is capable of over 200mph and 0-60mph in around 2 seconds!
Robocar
The Robocar is the world first fully-autonomous racing car. Taking the technology successfully trialled in Dev Bot, the Robocar made its track debut in Paris, where it lapped the track with no human involvement. The Robocar will form the basis for Roborace (see below).
Roborace
Roborace is the world’s first series created for autonomous racing cars. Using the striking Robocar, AI producers will compete to see whose technology is the best. The car, tyres, batteries etc will be stock, with only the car’s ‘brain’ the difference. The first Roborace is planned for Season 4.
Rosenqvist, Felix
In the Season 3 Berlin ePrix Felix Rosenqvist claimed the first win for Mahindra in only his seventh ePrix. The Swede is a renowned street specialist and a two-time winner of the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.
Rowland, Oliver
Leading GP2 driver Oliver Rowland stood in for Nick Heidfeld at Mahindra in the Season 2 race at Punta del Este after the German injured his hand.