New S5 Formula E car “overwhelming” in first tests

Reigning champion Lucas di Grassi has described Formula E’s new season five car as “a huge step forward” compared to its predecessor.

Seven Formula E manufacturers completed a closed two-day test of their season five cars at the Monteblanco circuit in Spain this week, ahead of the introduction of the dubbed ‘Gen2’ car for the 2018/2019 campaign. 

The new car - which was formally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month - will be capable of completing a full race distance on a single charge, removing the need for mid-race car swaps that have been part of Formula E races since the championship’s inauguration in 2014.

Audi, DS, Jaguar, Venturi, Mahindra, Nissan and Dragon all ran the new-spec cars for the first time. BMW, which is set to run as a full works squad from the 2018/19 season, and NIO were the only manufacturers absent from the test. 

Di Grassi got the first taste of the new Audi e-tron FE05 and said he was left feeling “overwhelmed” after the test, which he labelled as a success for his team. 

“My first impression was overwhelming - the car is a huge step forward in every respect,” di Grassi explained. 

“We drove a lot, were able to focus on setup work and gathered plenty of data for the engineers. I feel that the first test was a resounding success – now I’m all the more excited about finally being able to drive the car on a city circuit.”

Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team principal Allan McNish added his outfit completing its planned running without any significant issues.

“We did a lot of kilometers straight away without any major problems – which is the most important thing at the first rollout and good news for the whole team, trackside and at Audi in Neuburg. 

“Lucas’ feedback was extremely positive, which makes us optimistic going forward. We know we still have a lot of work to do in terms of testing and development before traveling to the first race of the new season and competing with our rivals for the first time.”

A second test is due to take place next month at the Calafat circuit in Catalonia.