Pascal Wehrlein secured the victory after starting on pole position for the first round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to kickstart his championship challenge earlier on.
The electric series, in its tenth year got off to an explosive start, with the opening taking place in Mexico, a venue that has been used since the series infancy. Before the action even started, there was already some pre-race drama as Sergio Sette Camara’s ERT was withdrawn from competition due to a technical issue. And the drama didn’t stop there. Stoffel Vandoorne, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy all received a one place grid penalty due to not following red flag procedures in FP1.
After the drama, Formula E went green for the first time this year. It was a clean start for everyone through the first few corners with Dennis making his way up the grid after his disaster in qualifying. Di Grassi was the first victim in Mexico. Due to a brake issue, he hit the barrier and stopped on track, he managed to limp back to the pits and retire from the race.
Lucas di Grassi, ABT CUPRA Formula E Team, M9Electro Image Credit: Formula E Media Bank
Da Costa and Mueller had an incident a few laps later which resulted in the Porsche driver retiring from the race as he ended up in the wall after an ambitious move on the Abt driver. The incident was investigated after the race and Da Costa received a three place grid penalty for the next race. Everyone seemed to settle into the race, until more drama reared up, but this time from the steward’s room. Race control stated that three drivers were under investigation: the Andretti pair of Jake Dennis and Norman Nato and more critically, race leader Pascal Wehrlein. There was no further investigation for Nato but Wehrlein and Dennis were investigated after the race but both also received no further investigation from the stewards.
Pascal Wehrlein, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, Porsche 99X Electric Gen3 Image Credit: Formula E Media Bank
The returning Envision Racing driver of Robin Frijns crashed at turn thirteen, just at the exit of the stadium arena. This resulted in a full course yellow and the safety car made it’s first appearance this season. Frijns managed to walk away on his own accord. It then emerged that Frijns had an issue with his car before the race so this could have been a factor in his crash. Before the race was declared green again, man of the drivers had attack mode remaining, including Buemi who was currently sitting in P2. Behind him, Guenther, Evans, Hughes, Dennis, Bird, Fenestraz, De Vries and Daruvala all had one attack mode remaining . The Season 7 champion Nyck De Vries had fallen down the pack at this point and was holding up Ticktum, Daruvala and Mueller, whilst current champion Dennis had a relatively quiet race.
The highlight in the latter stages was certainly the battle between Jean-Eric Vergne and Mitch Evans. They were having a fight of their own, as the Jaguar driver had to hold off the constant attacks from the two time world champion. It was first blood to Evans as he managed to pull a consistent gap of five tenths as energy conservation began to bite. Ticktum also struggled, falling back dramatically due to his overspending of energy earlier on in the race. Two additional laps were added to the end of the race due to the safety car earlier for the Frijns shunt. However, these did not stop Wehrlein as he held onto the lead and claimed victory in the Mexico City E-Prix for the second time. Envision Racing’s Sebastian Buemi finished P2, with championship contender Nick Cassidy taking the final podium. Maximilian Guenther finished P4 with Mitch Evans just holding off Jean-Eric Vergne for P5, Jake Hughes took P7 ahead of Stoffel Vandoorne in P8, current world champion Jake Dennis had to settle for P9 whilst Norman Nato rounded out the top ten.
Formula E returns in a few weeks with a double header in Diriyah!
Two separate careers to be precise, and what careers they have been.
With a total of 14 World championships between them, Jonathan Rea 6x WSBK champion, and Marc Marquez 6x MotoGP World Champion, as well as both 125cc, and 250cc champions. Both riders have their upcoming birthdays next month in February, with Jonny turning 37, and Marc turning 31. Now in the twilight years of their respective careers, they both still feel they have a point to prove, and perhaps, also prove a few critics and naysayers wrong.
Jonathan Rea – Picture courtesy of Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK
The end of the 2023 season saw an emotional Rea walk away from the Kawasaki Racing Team, an incredibly long partnership that saw him dominate many seasons and claim 6x World titles, becoming arguably their best WSBK rider. The struggles of the Kawasaki team over the past few seasons were well documented and a frustrated Rea could do no more than look on in envy at the sheer flawless nature of Alvaro Bautista’s wins on the Aruba.it Racing Ducati, which saw the Spaniard claim back-to-back championships.
Prior to the Ducati dominance in both WSBK and MotoGP, 2021 was the year of Yamaha, with both Toprak Razgatlioglu on the R1, and Fabio Quartararo on the M1 claiming their respective world championship crowns. In WSBK that year Toprak was a joy to watch, pushing the R1 to its absolute limits. Rea however, was once again left frustrated with the performance of the Kawasaki, only managing to finish runner up.
There was a time when Marc Marquez was considered unstoppable on the Repsol Honda RC213V, dominating his rivals and racking up incredible statistics in the process. His 2019 winning season and 6th overall in the premier class, was testament to the absolute insane level of skill he possessed at that time. He won 12 races and finished on the podium in 18 out of 19 rounds, amassing an eye watering 420 points, which was also a points record at that time. Not to mention beating riders like Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Andrea Dovizioso in the process.
Sadly, subsequent seasons have seen Marc suffer virtually career ending injuries, with many speculating that he’d never return. The fact that he did return, albeit on an under-performing Honda, speaks volumes about his mental resilience and sheer unquenchable desire to continue riding and return to winning ways.
2023 was not a happy season for Marc and saw him crash a total of 29 times, the most out of any rider across all the classes in MotoGP, according to the MotoGP falls report, published by Dorna media officer, Frine Velilla. That was a figure he himself had not got close to since the season of 2017, where he crashed 27 times. Similar to Jonathan Rea, a disconsolate Marc could do no more then look on as Francesco Bagnaia, rode his Ducati to back-to-back championships.
Marc Marquez – Picture courtesy of Honda Racing Racing Global
As the curtain closed on the 2023 season, both Rea and Marc walked away from their respective teams, buying their way out of lucrative contracts in the process. Rea secured a ride with the Pata Prometeon Yamaha WSBK Team onboard the R1, while Marc, will be joining his brother Alex in the Gresini Racing Team onboard the Ducati.
As race fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2024 season, the fact that these two legends of motorcycle racing are still racing, is an absolute bonus to the sport, as well as a credit to the resilience of each of their own characters and the determination to succeed, continuing to push onwards for the next taste of race winning glory.
Adrien Fourmaux is the reigning British Rally Champion having won the championship as part of a national and international campaign throughout the 2023 season for the M-Sport team. I spent some time with the rising French star on Friday during the second day of this weekend’s Autosport International Show.
I started by asking him about 2023 and his campaign with Alex Coria who have been working together for a number of years now and what they learned from this.
Adrien
“We have been competing in sixteen rallies, in UK, Belgian, France, Mexico as well. For sure the British championship helped us unlock the car also because we were doing some testing before, we were not using it on the rally, but some days of development which we were bringing to the WRC2 championship, it’s different, it was a longer season. We were working on the rollbar, new engine package. All these things were planned because were using these in the tests. The British championship we were fighting for a title, it’s always good to fight for a title, the management also to win. We had to win every event to win, as there were some events which were at the same time as the WRC2 events. It was a big challenge for us and we had no chance for error for that, it was important, we have done some milage for experience, it was really good.”
Warren
“How do you think that this will help you this year?
Adrien
“Well, I feel much more confidant with my drive, etc, what I do and my habits, so actually it tells me the WRC2, and British Rally championships helped me get more prepared to go back into the Rally1.”
Warren
“How happy are you to be back in the top class”?
Adrien
“That was the main goal last year, to get back in the Rally1. Only one year chance to get back in the Rally1, so my goal was to prove myself to the other teams, I was able to come back. This is what we did, so I’m really pleased and happy to get another opportunity with M-Sport.”
Warren
“They are a team that like to support young drivers like we’ve seen in the past, such as Elfyn and Ott.”
Adrien
“Yes, I’m still a young driver compared with the championship. We know the team bring a lot of young drivers, nearly everyone except Seb and Kalle. My goal this year is to show what I have been able to do in 2023 and 2024, another level of car, a faster car so with all steps the Rally1 is demanding so there are even more things that have to be done on the road section, we have to regen the battery, have to clean the stuff for the hybrid, it’s all those things that make the job bigger that people don’t realise. You are at the highest level, so you have not much for error, if you want success, so yes, it’s a big deal but I’m looking forward.”
Warren
“You took five victories in the British Championship last year, what was your favourite rally of the year?”
Adrien
“Nine victories last year, and I enjoy every rally as they are different. For sure Monte Carlo last year, I was struggling with the performance of the car and myself, so not so good, then when we went to Portugal and Greece, leading the rallies, wins on the national rally for sure always special even if it’s not the best rally of the championship.”
Warren
“What made you want to compete in rally?”
Adrien
“Just driving, I just enjoy to drive, this is my main goal. For the performance it’s just to build up after rallies to get at least one podium, maybe more. We know exactly where we are now it will be interesting.”
Warren
“Did you have a rally hero which you looked up to?”
Adrien
“Both the Seb’s are my rally hero’s, they are my only ones I would say.”
Warren
“If you could drive any rally car from the past, what would you pick out?”
Adrien
“The 2017 car (a car that he drove). It was really nice to drive. But it you take really old school, Group B, one car in Group B would be the Peugeot, because I’m French.”
Warren
“Final question then, which event are you most looking forward to this year?”
Adrien
“Well, Monte Carlo for sure, one of my favourite ones, Kenya is special also, Sweden also, last time I drove in snow was 2022, so really looking forward to that one. All events I like really, I especially gravel events.”
We at the Pit Crew Online wish Adrien, Alex and the whole of the M-Sport team all the best for the 2024 season. Also big thanks to Emily at M-Sport for the time provided to me to speak to Adrien.
After several months since the conclusion of FIA Formula E Season 9, we are back with more electric racing! Well…later this week, we are. The FIA Formula E championship returns this Friday for it’s tenth season. Round 1 will kick off in Mexico City, a staple of the electric series since it’s second season. Since we last went green, there have been quite a lot of changes, primarily in the driver market.
Drivers and Teams for Season 10:
Envision Racing:
Drivers: Sebastian Buemi and Robin Frijns
Powertrain: Jaguar I-Type 6
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 1st Place (Champions)
There is a shake up at the current teams champion with Nick Cassidy departing for Jaguar. Robin Frijns rejoins Envision after a year of absence, eager to make the Jaguar powertrain which has been so dominant in the last few years a success of his own.
Jaguar TCS Racing:
Drivers: Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy
Powertrain: Jaguar I-Type 6
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 2nd Place
Jaguar has arguably the most anticipated pairing going into the tenth season of Formula E. The New Zealand duo of Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, both in the title hunt and collecting race wins throughout the last few seasons, it will be all to play for this season.
Nick Cassidy, Jaguar TCS Racing, Jaguar I-TYPE 6 Image Credit: Simon Galloway
Andretti Formula E:
Drivers: Jake Dennis and Norman Nato
Powertrain: Porsche 99X Electric Gen3
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 3rd Place
The current world champion will have a new livery design, helmet design, a new number and a new teammate. The Andretti duo will support a white livery as Nato joins the American team of the departing Andre Lotterer after a decent season last year where saw him scoop a podium.
Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team:
Drivers: Pascal Wehrlein and Antonio Felix Da Costa
Powertrain: Porsche 99X Electric Gen3
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 4th Place
One of three unchanged driver pairings from last season, Wehrlein and Da Costa both racked up race wins throughout their season 9 campaign and they will be wanting to aim to equal these stats or higher in season 10 as Porsche hopes to go from strength to strength.
DS Penske:
Drivers: Stoffel Vandorrne and Jean-Eric Vergne
Powertrain: DS E-TENSE FE2
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 5th Place
The two former World Champions remain at DS Penske for a second season as they aim to go up the standings, it was a very subdued season for them last season with double champion Vergne the only bright light with a handful of podium appearances, but this could change.
Maserati MSG Racing:
Drivers: Maximilian Guenther and Jehan Daruvala
Powertrain: Maserati Tipo Folgore
Season 9 Team Championship Position: 6th
At the Trident team, Guenther remains at the team after picking up a victory in 2023, he has proven to be a consistent driver throughout his time in the series. He is partnered by the only rookie in this season as Jehan Daruvala takes the slot. Replacing veteran Edo Mortara, Daruvala raced in Formula 2 last season.
Nissan Formula E Team:
Drivers: Sacha Fenestraz and Oliver Rowland
Powertrain: Nissan e-4ORCE 04
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 7th
Nissan will be hoping to reignite some of the old magic, they retain 2023 rookie Sacha Fenestraz which was excellent last year, and the departing Norman Nato is replaced by familar face Oliver Rowland, who had some success with the manufacturer a few seasons ago.
NEOM McLaren Formula E Team:
Drivers: Sam Bird and Jake Hughes
Powertrain: Nissan e-4ORCE 04
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 8th Place
The Papaya team retain Jake Hughes for 2024, who had a stellar season. Rene Rast departs, leaving Sam Bird, arguably one of the most talented and experienced drivers at the helm.
ERT Racing:
Drivers: Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara
Powertrain: ERT X24
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 9th Place
The team formally known as NIO 333 have had a branding change to ERT. The lineup of Ticktum and Sette Camara remains unchanged and they will be eager to go up the standings and pick up some points.
Mahindra Racing:
Drivers: Nyck De Vries and Eduardo Mortara
Powertrain: Mahindra M9Electro
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 10th Place
Mahindra, on the other hand, have completely revamped their line up. Nyck De Vrie,s the former world champion rejoins the Indian outfit after his stint at Alpha Tauri in Formula 1 and studying at Harvard. He will be joined by Eduardo Mortara, a stalwart of the series.
Nyck de Vries, Mahindra Racing, Mahindra M9Electro Image Credit: Simon Galloway
Abt Cupra Formula E Team:
Drivers: Lucas Di Grassi and Nico Muller
Powertrain: Mahindra M9 Electro
Season 9 Teams Championship Position: 11th Place
Abt Cupra retains Nico Muller while Lucas Di Grassi joins the team after departing Mahindra. The German team will be wanting to put an end to its podium draught after ending Season 9 with zero podiums, the first in the team’s history while competing in Formula E.
Calendar for Season 10:
There are some major changes from Season 9 in terms of the Calendar, the Jakarta ePrix is scrapped, and the inaugeral India ePrix has also been cancelled, the iconic Rome ePrix has been replaced by a race in Misano.
Round Number
Race
Date
Previous Winner
1
Mexico City ePrix
13th January 2024
Jake Dennis
2
Diryah ePrix
26th January 2024
Pascal Wehrlein
3
Diryah ePrix
27th January 2024
Pascal Wehrlein
4
Sao Paulo ePrix
16th March 2024
Mitch Evans
5
Tokyo ePrix
30th March 2024
Debut Event in Season 10
6
Misano ePrix
13th April 2024
Debut Event in Season 10
7
Misano ePrix
14th April 2024
Debut Event in Season 10
8
Monaco ePrix
27th April 2024
Nick Cassidy
9
Berlin ePrix
11th May 2024
Mitch Evans
10
Berlin ePrix
12th May 2024
Nick Cassidy
11
Shanghai ePrix
25th May 2024
Debut Event in Season 10
12
Shanghai ePrix
26th May 2024
Debut Event in Season 10
13
Portland ePrix
29th June 2024
Nick Cassidy
14
Portland ePrix*
30th June 2024
Nick Cassidy
15
London ePrix
20th July 2024
Mitch Evans
16
London ePrix
21st July 2024
Nick Cassidy
What to look out for in 2024 for Formula E:
As the number of Formula E seasons enters the double digits (they grow up so fast!) here are some highlights which will be on the radar of many people throughout the entire season:
The Battle For The Top Spot at Jaguar:
As mentioned, Jaguar TCS Racing will have a duo of Kiwi drivers this season: Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy. Although Cassidy is the new guy on the block, he shone brightly last year and came close to claming the championship title. Their inter team battle will be one to watch throughout the entire season as Evans will want to hold onto top dog status while Cassidy will want to prove himself in his new team.
Champion Comeback:
With Jake Dennis signing a multi year contract with Andretti and the Season 7 champion Nyck De Vries returning to Formula E, there will be 7 champions on the grid who will want to reclaim the title crown of electric motorsport with Dennis certain to want to equal Vergne’s back to back title wins.
Nyck de Vries, Mahindra Racing and Jake Dennis, Andretti Global Image Credit: Simon Galloway
New Venue Debuts:
With season 10 of Formula E, there will be 3 new venues: Tokyo, Misano and Shanghai. With only the Tokyo ePrix circuit layout being unveiled (as of right now), it will be fascinating to see how each of these new venues play into the championship.
What do you think about Formula E Season 10? Do you have any predictions ahead of the Mexico City ePrix?
