Since 2018-19 season, a group system has been used, which paradoxically penalizes the best-placed racers. Drivers are divided into groups of six, in descending order on the leaderboard, leaving as a result that leaders have the worst track conditions and often finish near the back of the grid.

Certainly the qualifying structure has been successful as it keeps the fight for the title open until the end, but the teams feel that it is too artificial and unfairly sacrifices the best.

The New Proposal

Formula E features the idea of introducing a knockout tournament-style format, which series co-founder and director Alberto Longo claims has been designed to be easier for fans to understand.

The drivers will be divided into two groups, and the four fastest drivers from each bracket will advance to the quarterfinal rounds one-on-one. The winners of these four duels will advance to two semifinals, after which the two fastest participants will fight directly for the pole.

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“We have gone back to basics, although we also like to be innovative,” Longo noted. “This format is very understandable because everyone understands the draw of a tennis tournament finals. Visually, it is very attractive and on television we will offer something spectacular.”

He stressed that the key is on the first two groups of 11 drivers, where they will have the opportunity to do several fast laps during the 12-minute qualifying. After that, the fastest drivers of each segment will be defined.

Longo explained that he took the idea to the Formula E board, but revealed that the ingenuity of the new format came from Sam Bird, current Jaguar Racing driver, who served as a voice to express the discomfort of the participants about how the pole positions were disputed.

The only thing missing is the definitive yes from the World Motor Sport Council to establish the new race classification mechanism, and lay the foundations for Season 8, which will open on January 28, 2022 in Saudi Arabia.

Written by I Jhonattan González

The post Formula E to Change Qualifying Format for Season 8 appeared first on Green Racing News.

The 100% electric single-seater category became the first sport in the world to join the Science Based Targets (SBTi) Program and the Business Ambition Pledge for the 1.5° Celsius commitment. Let’s remember that the planet is facing serious problems with temperature, and if it continues to rise, it will reach a dreaded point of no return, according to several experts.

Now, to address this sensitive issue, FE will work together with the SBTi, an entity that functions as a partnership between the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), the CDP and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Together, and now with the electrified category as a new member of the global Race To Zero campaign, the goal is to bring together as many companies as possible to prevent future threats to Earth, generating jobs and creating stability in multiple ways.

One of the new Formula E objectives will be to decrease carbon emissions by 45% in 2030, following the main line of the category concerning air pollution and the fight against climate change. Furthermore, these goals align with the FIA’s #PurposeDriven movement.

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“…One year ago, Formula E became the first sport to achieve net zero certification since it started. Today, we achieved another milestone by aligning ourselves with the Science Based Targets initiative, reinforcing our leadership position in the global sport,” said Jamie Reigle, CEO of FE.

From the sustainable motorsport assured that they will continue to fight for change, acting as catalysts and pioneers for the industry when creating global awareness, a factor that is easy to express but difficult to understand, as many people refuse to make minimal changes that will contribute to a healthier future.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post Formula E: First Sport to be Part of Science Based Targets appeared first on Green Racing News.

The current ranking system was introduced before the fifth season in 2018/19, replacing the lottery method that had been previously implemented. 

Under the new format, the entire track is group based on their championship positions, but the top six drivers must start first, with the other groups following in descending order of qualification. 

This has proven to be a success in terms of offering a mixed starting grid, with the added entertainment aspect of faster cars having to fight their way. 

However, the system has also been criticized by various quarters and critics consider that it hinders the main contenders for the title just to improve the show. 

Furthermore, the rapid evolution of the track often forces drivers to wait until the last moments of their group work before exiting the pits, leading to some pointless qualifying sessions.

Drivers affected

According to Motorsport, in the penultimate round of the 2019/20 season in Berlin, DS Techeetah duo Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa, Audi Lucas di Grassi and Nissan driver Sebastien Buemi failed to complete their laps timed before the six-minute group session.

Jaguar’s Mitch Evans recently lashed out at his Nissan rival, Oliver Rowland, for backtracking from Diriyah’s second qualifying, which meant the checkered flag was displayed before he or Audi’s Rene Rast could start their fastest lap.

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Rowland himself was adversely affected by the current format in Saudi Arabia, ranking 10th and 13th respectively for the two races after being placed in the top group each time.

The Nissan driver, who believes he had the pace to be in the front row in Riyadh, said Formula E should consider narrowing the gap between final practice and qualifying to ensure the track has enough grip for drivers who they start in the first group.

This, however, would not be without danger, as any driver who suffers an accident in practice will not be able to participate in qualifying due to the limited time to repair the car.

Written by I Jhonattan González

The post Formula E drivers ask for a change in the qualifying format appeared first on Green Racing News.