ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Italian capitalUpdated track layout second-longest in Formula E history with high-speed runs and tight, complex sections and more opportunities for overtaking
All-electric racing returns to Rome on April 10 and 11 for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with a new circuit layout for the double-header race weekend and FIA President Jean Todt in attendance.
Driver round-up
Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ) heads to Italy on top of the drivers’ standings, having completed a Formula E first in the Diriyah opener, topping the timesheets in Free Practice, Group Qualifying, Julius Baer Pole Position, and claiming his maiden race win and the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap for good measure.
Jaguar Racing lead the way in the teams’ standings as new signing Sam Bird sealed a dream victory in Round 2 in Diriyah. That result saw the Brit extend his unique streak of winning an E-Prix in every Formula E season to-date.
It also drew him level with Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) in second on the all-time winners’ table with 10 victories. Bird is also a winner in the Italian capital, having won the inaugural race in 2018, and he’ll be among the favourites this time around.
Last time out in Rome, it was Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing) and André Lotterer (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) who fought tooth-and-nail for the full 45 minutes. In the end, it was the Kiwi who held his nerve, forcing Lotterer to settle for second with Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) rounding-out the podium positions.
Rome E-Prix
The 19-turn 3.385km Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR has undergone a number of changes in close collaboration with local authorities for Season 7, and sees the track become the second longest in Formula E history behind Beijing.
The updates ensure the circuit’s character is retained, while strengthening Formula E’s legacy in the area by making more space for spectators at future events, bringing local businesses into the fold and carrying out important restoration work.
The Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazzale Marconi remain landmarks and, starting from this year, the circuit will wind its way around the iconic Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, also known as the “Square Coliseum”.
It’s a mix of high-speed runs and tight, complex sections and undulations with plenty of opportunities for overtaking at the hairpin and some 90-degree bends – peak Formula E and a big favourite of the drivers.
“The new layout is fantastic: it has longer and faster straights and offers more opportunities for overtaking,” said 2017 Formula E Champion, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler’s Lucas di Grassi. “I’m sure the fans will love it; I can’t wait to race there.”
Sustainability
Showing the natural alignment of Formula E’s reason and racing, in Rome the series will continue its series of Positively Charged grid moments, on this occasion, shining the spotlight on the new multi-year partnership with UNICEF’s Safe and Healthy Environment Fund.
Since Formula E first visited the city, e-mobility options for Rome’s residents have improved significantly. There are 60 electric minibuses operating across the city and Italy’s ‘Good Mobility’ policy encourages the use of electric bikes and has legalised electric scooters. Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, announced that the city would phase out diesel vehicles by 2024.
Rome’s impressive mobility response to COVID-19 has been recognised at European level, following its support of walking and cycling, enabling safe public transport, and its plan for 150km of transitory cycling routes. In total, €3.2 million has been set aside for Rome’s plan, with 20km of these lanes currently in place.
Where to watch
Formula E’s media partners will be broadcasting comprehensive coverage to millions of households through a combination of network and digital coverage. Ahead of Season 7’s debut in Diriyah, Formula E provided an update on its global media partners and broadcast coverage.
Looking to the double header in Rome this weekend, Formula E will strengthen its presence with increased exposure across a number of key territories:
– In Italy, both Italia 1 and Sky Sports Uno will be broadcasting live coverage from site, throughout the weekend.
– In Germany fans will be able to watch all the racing action from the Eternal City live on SAT.1 including 30 minutes of pre-race build up on both Saturday and Sunday, including expert opinion and analysis from ex-Formula E driver, Daniel Abt, live from the studio in Munich. Comprehensive coverage of the weekend will be available on the Ran.de platform.
– In the UK, BBC Two will be broadcasting Saturday’s E-Prix live, with digital coverage of both Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying and race sessions across BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website and the Red Button.
– Formula E fans in France will be able to take in the action live through the L’Equipe.fr digital platform with additional same day repeat coverage ‘as live’ on La Chaine L’Equipe.
– In Austria, fans will be able to catch all of the racing action live on ORF 1.
– Across Europe, Eurosport will also be airing Rounds 3 and 4 live on Eurosport 2, with qualifying highlights immediately before each race programme, and further coverage on Eurosport Player.
To find out where to watch the Formula E season opener, visit: www.fiaformulae.com/en/watch/
The Formula E app allows fans to go behind the scenes and listen to driver radios, hearing live reactions as the race plays out. To listen in, download the app on iOS and Android.
Get involved
There are more ways than ever before to follow the action from Formula E, all from the comfort of your home.
Vote for your favourite driver to receive an extra boost of power with FANBOOST via the FANBOOST website and Formula E app.
Can you predict the unpredictable? The Formula E Predictor puts you in the hot seat to predict each round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Join the full Formula E race day experience as the Allianz E-Village goes virtual. Starting from Monday of race week and until the event comes to a close, the Virtual Allianz E-Village has fans covered with exclusive content straight from the paddock.
The action from Rome can be followed as it happens in the Live Hub. An all-new Live Timing experience – including a real-time interactive track map and the ability to follow your favourite driver – plus detailed session reports.
Round 3 and 4 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place in the Italian capital of Rome on April 10 & 11, with races starting at 16:00 and 13:00 local time (15:00 and 12:00 BST) respectively.
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