Formula E: this is how the Mexico City E Prix was experienced, the race that inaugurates the 2024 season of the most important electric car tournament

More than 40,000 fans gathered at the Foro Sol de Mexicowhere it takes place this Saturday, January 13 Mexico City E Prixthe opening race of the tenth season ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

This is not the first E Prix to be organized in Mexico City, where, unlike other cities, 22 drivers race on a permanent track instead of an urban circuit. On the track Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguezeleven teams competed for the podium.

Saturday morning started with the second practice of the drivers on the track, followed by qualifying runs. At 14:00 hours (Mexican time) the pilots started the official competition.

And the result was no surprise: Pascal Wehrleinrepresenting the Porsche team, achieved its third consecutive victory in the capital of Mexico. Sebastien Buemifrom Envision, i Nick Cassidyfrom Jaguar, also reached the podium.

However, Formula E is not just a competition.

Since its official launch in 2014 as a professional electric vehicle race, Formula E has maintained its goal promote sustainable mobility within the framework of the fight against air pollution in cities and reduce the effects of climate change.

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Pilots drive Gen 3 carsdesigned to be more fast, light, strong, efficient and sustainable. This series of cars was introduced last year, but in terms of performance, generation 3 has evolved.

“There is everything that is the development of the drive unit, which is electric motorwhich is the responsibility of each team to develop it”, he explained Cristina Mañasteam performance director nissan Formula E, in an interview with Salt Forum.

nissan debuted in all-electric racing in season 5 of the championship and remains the first and only Japanese manufacturer in the race.

“Part of the work we do in nissan is the development of this motor unit, especially because in racing is what will mean we have a competitive advantage. In order to make the best use of the energy we have available for the race, one of the fundamental factors is the efficiency of this engine,” added Mañas.

Another improvement he identifies in the Gen 3 vehicles is that the battery has better capacity, which allows the pilot to get better power and regenerate the battery more efficiently.

Battery management is one of the points where Sacha Fenestrazpilot nissan in Formula E, he worked on the competition this year.

“I’m used to always using a lot of gas, and today it’s such a different career that I can’t afford those things,” commented Fenestraz in an interview with UNIVERSE.

In his second year of professional electric vehicle competition, the 24-year-old driver feels much more prepared. “I know a lot more about the championship, the track and the car itself. I know how to manage energy better“, said Fenestraz.

French but raised in Argentina, Fenestraza feels right at home in Mexico.

“Starting here in Mexico is amazing, more than anything else the atmosphere, the people, the fans, it’s crazy. It’s nice to start in this country. The support I have here in Mexico is incredible,” he said.

His vice president at Nissan, an Englishman Oliver Rowlandhe also showed excitement at the start of the 10th season of the championship in Mexico.

Although he did not reach the podium on this occasion, Rowland assures that this is the goal for the following dates.

“The qualifying car is strong. The race is a bit more demanding for me, but it’s something we’ve been working on for the last three or four monthsand I think we’re in a better position,” Rowland revealed.

The next city where the pilots will compete is DyriyahSaudi Arabia, for its second and third races on January 26 and 27.

The tournament will last until July 21, the day when the last race is run LondonEngland.

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