The preview
The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team fields two Porsche 99X Electric racers at the London E-Prix with Porsche works drivers André Lotterer (GER/No. 36) and Pascal Wehrlein (GER/No. 94). While the fortnightly rhythm poses a big challenge, Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E, says: “As always, we’re working in a systematic and meticulous way. Even though the schedule is tight, our preparations are going according to plan.”
In the drivers’ standings of the all-electric racing series, Pascal Wehrlein, winner of the Mexico City E-Prix, ranks ninth with 63 points. André Lotterer is tied for points in tenth place. With 126 points in the team standings, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team lies sixth.
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E
What insights do you take with you from New York to London? What are your goals?
“The positive things we’re taking away from New York are that we were competitive in both the qualifying and the race and that we have the pace to fight for top positions. Of course, it’s frustrating that due to some problems, we didn’t get one of our cars into the qualifying duels, and that André wasn’t able to convert his starting position into a podium finish or a win in the second race. Our goals are the same as at any other event: We want to fight for podium places.”
With the remaining season 8 races in London and Seoul, have you already been able to gather insights for season 9?
“On the operational side, we’re constantly developing, and the last races are also considered with regard to season 9. Of course, we have to take into account any changes to the weekend format in season 9 early enough.”
André Lotterer, Porsche works driver (#36)
In New York City you delivered a strong and impressive qualifying performance. What positives are you taking to London from the Big Apple?
“I qualified really well with P3. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to convert my excellent starting position into a better race result. Our race pace was good too, which makes us very confident for London. Basically, after the race weekend, we analyse everything and try to learn from it.”
Last year, you narrowly missed out on finishing on the podium with fourth in London. What’s possible this time?
“We had a decent pace in London and I hope we can fight for a top result again this time. In any case, we’ll work hard to achieve that. We have a good car and are highly motivated. Still, it’ll definitely be a tough weekend.”
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94)
One of the most unusual tracks in Formula E awaits you in London. What’s it like for you to contest a race both indoors and outdoors?
“London is indeed one of the most interesting circuits on the calendar. It gets really exciting in the rain, when it’s dry inside and wet outside. It’s generally a slower circuit with lots of tight corners. You need a slightly different car setup. But, we’re ready for anything and we’ll hopefully have a successful weekend.”
In New York City you were in the leading group in the first race but didn’t finish in the points in the second. What makes you confident about London?
“The fact that we performed very well in qualifying and that we had the pace in the race. After all, I was able to make up nine positions in the second race from P20. All in all, it was a weekend where I could learn something.”
The circuit
The 2.141-kilometre ExCeL Circuit is unique with 22 turns and weaves its way both inside and outside East London’s exhibition centre on the Thames. The concrete floor of the hall was treated with a special substance to improve grip and protect the ground. The height difference between the indoor and outdoor areas was solved with ramps. For season 8, chicanes have been added between turns 10 and 13.
Live TV and Internet coverage
The worldwide broadcasting schedule of the Formula E event in London is available on: https://www.fiaformulae.com/watch/ways-to-watch.
Media service
The first photos from London will be available on the Porsche press database on 29 July. The race reports will follow on 30 July (race 13) and 31 July (race 14). Further information about the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team will be posted live on the Twitter channel @PorscheFormulaE veröffentlicht. All relevant information about the team, the drivers and the racing series can be found in the updated Porsche Formula E Media Guide. The content will be regularly updated over the course of the season and expanded with additional interactive material.
Porsche 99X Electric
With the Porsche 99X Electric, Porsche returned to open-wheel single-seater racing in 2019 after more than 30 years. The fully-electric racing car sporting the Weissach-developed Porsche E Performance Powertrain also serves as a development platform for the sports car manufacturer’s fully-electric production models. Energy management and efficiency are important factors for success in Formula E and in the development of production cars. For the 2021/2022 season, the 99X Electric has a maximum output of 250 kW in qualification mode and 220 kW in normal race mode. Attack Mode boosts the output to 250 kW. Maximum recuperation is 250 kW; the usable battery capacity is 52 Kilowatt-hours.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S as the new safety car
Porsche is committed to Formula E safety: With the all-electric Taycan Turbo S, the sports car manufacturer supplies the official safety car this season and underlines the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport. Thanks to its driveability and safety as well as an output of up to 560 kW(761 PS; Taycan Turbo S: Electric power consumption* combined (WLTP) 23.4 – 21.9 kWh/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 0 g/km, Electric range* combined (WLTP) 440 – 468 km, Electric range* in town (WLTP) 524 – 573 km, Electric power consumption* combined (NEDC) 26.0 kWh/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (NEDC) 0 g/km), Porsche’s first all-electric sports car is the ideal choice as a safety car in the world’s first electric racing series. With Launch Control, the flagship model of the Taycan range accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h. The striking paintwork incorporates the colours of all eleven competing teams as well as the FIA and Formula E colours. The design symbolises the joint commitment to the future of all-electric motor racing as well as social values such as diversity and community.
Formula E
Formula E is the world’s first fully-electric racing series bringing thrilling motorsport to people living in major cities since 2014. As an accelerator for innovative and sustainable technologies of mobility, it promotes the worldwide acceptance of electric vehicles with the aim to counteract climate change. The format is compact: practice, qualifying and race all take place on one day. Each race usually runs over 45 minutes plus one lap. Eleven teams tackle the 2021/2022 season with 22 drivers. This makes for interesting and hotly contested races. This marks the third season for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team campaigning the Porsche 99X Electric.
2022 races
Sixteen races in ten of the world’s biggest cities make up the provisional 2021/2022 calendar of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Race 1 & 2
28. / 29. January – Diriyah (Saudi Arabia)
Race 3
12. February – Mexico City (Mexico)
Race 4 & 5
9. / 10. April – Rome (Italy)
Race 6
30. April – Monaco (Monaco)
Race 7 & 8
14. / 15. May – Berlin (Germany)
Race 9
4. June – Jakarta (Indonesia)
Race 10
2. July – Marrakesh (Morocco)
Race 11 & 12
16. / 17. July – New York City (USA)
Race 13 & 14
30. / 31. July – London (Great Britain)
Race 15 & 16
13. / 14. August – Seoul (South Korea)