Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship gets underway in Mexico City this weekend, bringing with it the start of the Gen3 era of the sport. So, we thought we would give you a quick insight in what to expect for the upcoming season now that the exciting news of CUPRA joining the field has been announced!
If you’re new to watching Formula E, then you’ve come at the perfect time. There have been a few changes since last season, most importantly with the introduction of the Gen3 car which is faster, lighter and more powerful than its Gen2 predecessor.
So, what is Formula E?
Formula E is a fully electric single-seater racing series which began in 2014. It was the brainchild of FIA president Jean Todt and businessman Alejandro Agag.
Full of thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing, it’s a highly competitive series which has produced 7 different champions in 8 seasons meaning it often goes down to the wire.
Visiting countries all across the world, races are contested typically on street circuits within the heart of cities, with the aim of bringing powerful conversations about sustainability and climate change to the forefront.
Formula E also helps pave the way for advancements in Electric Vehicle technology that ultimately ends up in the cars that we drive on the roads.
What will Season 9 bring?
The Season 9 line-up comprises of 11 teams and 22 drivers, which includes new manufacturers joining the championship, those being McLaren and Maserati, and ABT returning with CUPRA! The reigning Formula E team champions, Mercedes-EQ, won’t be returning to defend their title this coming season.
With the introduction of the Gen3 car, it’s sure to be an exciting start as we get to see for the first time how these new cars behave on track in a wheel-to-wheel racing situation.
CUPRA enters Formula E with ABT for the 2022/23 season
Back in early December, it was announced that CUPRA would be partnering ABT in their return to the Formula E World Championship for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
[Source: SEAT Media Centre]
Competing in the series since the very beginning, ABT are one of the most successful teams in the series’ history with 47 podium finishes. The team took a hiatus during season 8 after parting ways with Audi but is now back to continue its success with CUPRA.
CUPRA already have experience within the electric racing scene, leading teams in both FIA ETCR and Extreme E.
The team will compromise of drivers Robin Frijns and Nico Müller, both of whom have previous experience in the championship, with Frijns competing in Formula E since season 2.
[Source: SEAT Media Centre]
The ABT CUPRA Formula E car took to the track in Valencia during the pre-season test in December, which returned positive and encouraging results for the team as both drivers got a feel for the new car and were able to complete a number of trouble-free laps.
[Source: SEAT Media Centre]
Where can I watch Formula E?
You can watch Round 1 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Mexico City on January 14 live on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube Channel.
Get in Touch