Formula E London ePrix I
Formula E drivers prepare for wet/dry London E-Prix double-header
Formula E drivers are set to deal with the challenge of racing in both dry and wet conditions at the same time during the London E-Prix double-header this weekend.
Stefan Mackley
Published: Jul 28, 2023, 5:20 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The ExCeL London venue is unique on the Formula E calendar, and in world motorsport, as it consists of elements both indoor and outdoor.
The opening three turns and final bend are sheltered inside the ExCeL building, while the remainder of the track is open to the elements along the service roads surrounding the venue.
Although the track has been on the Formula E calendar for the last two seasons, none of the four races to be held at the venue have been run in the wet.
But the forecast for the weekend remains mixed, with a slight chance of rain for Saturday and a greatly increased probability for Sunday.
“It’s going to be an absolutely massive challenge [if it does rain],” said Jaguar’s Sam Bird.
“This track is already tricky enough without it raining, so I can see it being incredibly difficult if it does rain.”
Jake Dennis, Andretti Motorsport, BMW iFE.21 Stoffel Vandoorne, Mercedes-Benz EQ, EQ Silver Arrow 02 Nyck de Vries, Mercedes-Benz EQ, EQ Silver Arrow 02 start of race
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
Drivers have had limited running in the wet this season, with the only notable running coming during qualifying for the second Berlin E-Prix.
With the new-for-2023 Gen3 cars providing more power, managing that torque and systems constantly throughout the lap will pose a challenge.
“It’s how you adapt, not only the driving but the systems in the car, how they react to the different conditions throughout the lap,” said NIO 333’s Dan Ticktum.
“We can obviously map how the car behaves from corner to corner, so adapting to that and getting that right will definitely be a challenge if it rains.
“But I think that’s pretty cool to be honest, it will be exciting to watch.”
Unlike other single-seater formula, Formula E uses a treaded Hankook tyre which can be used in both dry and wet conditions meaning there will not be an issue with regards to the race taking place if it does rain.
“It’s unique, but I guess it’s Formula E so we’re used to being unique let’s say – I mean the track itself is obviously very unique,” said McLaren’s Jake Hughes.
“I think it will be fine, obviously we’ve got a treaded tyre which is designed to work in dry and wet so I don’t think that will be an issue and then as racing drivers we just drive to the level of grip we’ve got so it will be about adapting.”
Read Also:
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Dennis makes "complete reset" for London E-Prix ahead of title showdown
Next article London E-Prix: Cassidy tops FP2 with Formula E title rival Dennis fifth
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Stefan Mackley
Formula E’s Pit Boost debut receives mixed response from drivers
Formula E
Formula E
Jeddah ePrix I
Formula E’s Pit Boost debut receives mixed response from drivers
The influencer fishing exercise Formula E hopes can achieve its long-term aims
Formula E
Formula E
The influencer fishing exercise Formula E hopes can achieve its long-term aims
Beckham's son, Aguero amongst celebrities set to drive Formula E cars in Miami
Formula E
Formula E
Beckham's son, Aguero amongst celebrities set to drive Formula E cars in Miami
Latest news
George Russell reveals he lost sleep over his own driving, not the F1 championship
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
14 min
George Russell reveals he lost sleep over his own driving, not the F1 championship
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Ferrari sets early pace in FP1
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Ferrari sets early pace in FP1
Max Papis announces departure as IndyCar chief steward
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 1 h
Max Papis announces departure as IndyCar chief steward
Lamborghini Super Trofeo | Asia Race 2: Victory for Li/Sherlock, but Tregurtha crowned champion over Sceats/Wisniewski
Lamborghini Super Trofeo
LBST Lamborghini Super Trofeo
World Finals - Monza 2026
2 h
Lamborghini Super Trofeo | Asia Race 2: Victory for Li/Sherlock, but Tregurtha crowned champion over Sceats/Wisniewski
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe