After 125 years in motorsport, we opened a new chapter in the illustrious racing history of the brand last weekend at Diriyah. Entry in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship marks the dawn of a new era for us – an era that got off to a more impressive start than even the team could have hoped for. Formula E has established a reputation as a highly competitive race series, one in which there were no fewer than nine different race winners last season. Lining up on the grid are not only well-known manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Porsche and Nissan but also experienced ex-Formula 1 drivers such as Lucas di Grassi, André Lotterer, Jean-Eric Vergne, Brendon Hartley, Sebastien Buemi and Pascal Wehrlein – many of whom have been regular contestants since the inaugural season five years ago. Consequently, the drivers and teams who have already acquired experience in this unique electric racing series are at a considerable advantage in terms of technology and knowledge of the special procedures and series-specific regulations. Which makes it even more difficult for newcomers to gain a foothold in this tough competitive environment. “We are conscious of our status as beginners,” said Ian James in the run-up to the season opener in Saudi Arabia. “Consequently, we will be aiming to make our learning curve as steep as possible.”
And that’s precisely what the team did.