Last year BMW announced that it will be entering Formula E, joining forces with the guys over at the MS Amlin Andretti Formula E Team. Even though the two have been working together already, the third season of the all-electric racing series will see the Bavarian manufacturer testing its own BMW i powertrain in the series.
The two ATEC-002 chassis will be raced by BMW works driver António Félix da Costa (POR) and Robin Frijns (NED). Monte Carlo (MON) features on the series’ calendar for the first time since season one. BMW will provide expertise and support to the American team as it runs its own powertrain for the first time in Season 3, having run the standard Formula E technology in the first two seasons.
Fans can vote to give their favorite driver a ‘FanBoost’ – an extra energy allocation, available in the second half of the race – online. The three drivers with the most votes receive an extra 100KJ of energy, which can boost power by up to 30KW. There are two methods: voting on fanboost.fiaformulae.com, or by using the hashtag #FanBoost, plus #AntonioFelixdaCosta or #RobinFrijns, on Twitter or Instagram.
The Formula E Monaco track layout retains much of the circuit used by the Formula 1 Grand Prix, but is shortened to provide a greater action-packed experience for spectators. Classic elements of the circuit, including the harbor side atmosphere, are retained; the circuit features the fast, sweeping right kink of the start-finish, as well as the famous St Devote.
The cars take a right immediately after the first turn, heading into a tight hairpin and returning to the traditional layout just after the Tunnel. The famous swimming pool and fearsome, fast Rascasse chicane are retained; this ensures none of the Monaco character is lost. Its history, as well as its challenging nature, make it an obvious favorite on the calendar.
