172 replies to this topic

[Vielleicht]

Monaco. An unlikely icon of motorsport. Racing began here in 1929 as a means for the Automobile Club de Monaco to gain full national status from the international governing body. Their requirements? A race entirely within the principalitie's borders was needed. The result? The Circuit de Monaco. A tight, twisty course through the principality's streets running along the harbour front, up the hill and around the casino, past the railway station, under a tunnel and back down towards the harbour. It was mad. It's always been mad. But the Monaco Grand Prix became an icon and the circuit remains one of the most iconic race venues to this day.
 
"At the beginning, everybody laughed at us. And then they started criticising and now they join. That is how disruptive technology works... The timing was just perfect for Formula E."
 - Lucas di Grassi
 
Formula E became a part of the event's history during its first season all the way back in 2015. A season may thought would never happen for a series many thought didn't even deserve to exist. A championship that pinned its identity on street racing found itself in the most famous of all the street circuits. The Monaco ePrix was born.
 
"You just have to be on top of everything all the time and that's part of being a good Formula E driver, I believe. You can't afford to make a mistake - it's a one-day event, everything goes by really quickly and one mistake and you're at the back."
- Jérôme d'Ambrisio
 
The race runs as a biennial event, alternating with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. As such, this is the only the third visit of Formula E to the principality as it nears the home stretch of its fifth season. This year will still, after various speculation and premature announcmeents to the contrary, run the shortened version of the Circuit de Monaco. Though it may not be a popular choice, it makes this race the last remaining unchanged venue from the Season 1 calendar.
 
“Believe it or not, Formula E is the most difficult thing to drive, even in the dry. In racing other categories, going 350kmph at Le Mans, it’s all pretty easy with downforce. Here you pray for your life every time you get on the brakes."
- Andre Lotterer
 
The Circuit
Length: 1.765km
Turns: 12 – 6 left, 6 right
Direction: Clockwise
Past winners – Sebastien Buemi (2015), Sebastien Buemi (2017)
Qualifying record – 0:53.286 - Jean-Eric Vergne (2017)
Lap record – 0:52.729 - Sebastien Buemi (2017)

 
Instead of threading through Saint Devote and charging up the hill towards Massenet and Casino Square, they turn a sharper right and head down Avenue J.F. Kennedy towards the Nouvelle Hairpin. From then on it’s back to the Grand Prix layout around a swimming pool and past some restaurant called La Rascasse.

 
An onbaord lap cpmparing Season 1 with Season 3. How much faster will Gen 2 be?

 
What happened in the last race?
Paris was a race of four seasons (as put by Dario Franchitti) with sun, rain, wind and hail all maing an appearance. The tricky conditions caused a predictable amount of chaos. Enough to make the eventual winner proclaim it to be the 'most difficult race of his career'.

 
And the Championship?
8 different winners in 8 different races from 7 different teams has both championship tables as tight as they can be. Honestly, it's been mad. If you're not caught up on all the races so far I urge you to do so. Robin Fijns has shot to the top of the strandings for the first time in his career. Andre Lotterer is only one point behind after consistent good results. He hasn't had a win yet though, maybe this is his weekend.
 
"What is difficult in Formula E is not to win a race - of course winning a race is difficult - but what is difficult is the consistency."
 - Lucas di Grassi
 
Driver's Standings
Robin Frijns - 81
Andre Lotterer - 80
António Félix da Costa - 70
Lucas di Grassi - 70
Jérôme d'Ambrisio - 65
Jean Eric Vergne - 62
Mitch Evans - 61
full results here
 
Teams's Standings
DS Techeetah - 142
Envision Virgin Racing - 135
Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler - 129
Mahindra Racing - 103
BMW i Andretti - 88
full results here
 
Weekend Schedule
LOCAL time - CEST (UTC+2 - Monaco, Paris, Berlin)
 
Formula E Practice 1 - 07:30 - 08:15
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Practice - 08:25 - 08:55
Formula E Free Practice 2 - 10:00 - 10:30
Formula E Qualifying - 11:45 - 12:30
Formula E Qualifying - Super Pole - 12:30 - 12:50
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Qualifying - 13:45 - 14:15
Formula E Monaco E-Prix (45' + 1 Lap) - 16:33 - 17:30
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Race (25'+1 Lap) - 18:15 - 18:50

 
Unusually, the Jaguar I-Pace series will come after the ePrix
 
Full regional viewing options can be found here.
 
And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is once again time for the Monaco ePrix.

[PayasYouRace]

The race runs as a biennial event, alternating with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. As such, this is the only the third visit of Formula E to the principality as it nears the home stretch of its fifth season. This year will still, after various speculation and premature announcmeents to the contrary, run the shortened version of the Circuit de Monaco. Though it may not be a popular choice, it makes this race the last remaining unchanged venue from the Season 1 calendar.
 

 

That's a resounding "BOOOOO" from me. Very disappointed they're not going full Monaco.

[thegamer23]

Most Glamour OP of the year so far!       

Anyway, for the newcomers, they're not going full Monaco beacause of FIA-Todt. 

 

Last year Alejandro Agag's words:

https://e-racing365....e-used-in-2019/

 

“Monaco is back and we will use the full track,” Agag said. “The short track was too small; it was ok, but it is much better for us to race on the big one.”

 

But Todt is overprotective with the serie at the moment, and doesn't want comparisons with F1. So, short track it is!

Agag wasn't that happy:

“I don’t think people even notice that or think of the comparison with F1. But that opinion is not shared by everybody,” Agag said.

 

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 07 May 2019 - 16:50.

[BRG]

 Pedantry Point:  it is on THE Riviera, the part of which is in France is the French Riviera, the part in Italy is the Italian Riviera, and the other bit is the ...

 

Anyway, for the newcomers, they're not going full Monaco beacause of FIA-Todt. 

Is there any source that definitely points the finger at the FIA?  If so, that is reprehensible.

[Ben1445]

I do like the driver quotes in that OP. Seems very swish.

[Vielleicht]

Pedantry Point:  it is on THE Riviera, the part of which is in France is the French Riviera, the part in Italy is the Italian Riviera, and the other bit is the ...

You know what, fair cop. If any Mod fancies changing that part of the title to 'Racing on the Riv-E-era' or similar they have my full blessing.

Edited by Vielleicht, 07 May 2019 - 16:57.

[Vielleicht]

I do like the driver quotes in that OP. Seems very swish.

I would like to say it was my idea, thought I was thinking about the driver quotes during the opening sequence of the masterpiece that is Frakenheimer's Grand Prix (1966). And I think the fabulous folks over on the IndyCar threads did it first anyway.

[Vielleicht]

That's a resounding "BOOOOO" from me. Very disappointed they're not going full Monaco.

I cannot disagree I have to say.

[thegamer23]

I would like to say it was my idea, thought I was thinking about the driver quotes during the opening sequence of the masterpiece that is Frakenheimer's Grand Prix (1966). And I think the fabulous folks over on the IndyCar threads did it first anyway.

 

About Grand Prix & Monaco

 

[ElectricBoogie]

Todt mostly ruined this race for me. I looked forward to the full track!
Is Todt protecting FE or the rest of automotive?
Would FE get close to some F1 laptimes from a distant past? Would it be plenty interesting to watch?

I keep contending that now with all the big bucks in FE, this spec series could and should get real aero closer to LMP focusing on ground effect, proper slicks and proper wets. The batteries could be better I'm sure. For road relevance and spectacle in the wet, allow AWD cars. 
F2 pace is doable. Let alone with battery swap pitstops. Have two battery swaps allowed, smaller more peppy battery, and it's a grand prix pretty much.

[f1paul]

We will be seeing sub 50 second laps then which will be weird but hopefully it's a fun race. 

 

Attack Mode placement means you won't lose any time because it is on a straight, similar to Rome in that sense and THAT was a proper good race.

[sportyskells]

I wonder who will be in the box with Jack as Dario will be Indy bound. Also have to tag team this race with a certain F1 support race going on at the very same time

[thegamer23]

I wonder who will be in the box with Jack as Dario will be Indy bound. Also have to tag team this race with a certain F1 support race going on at the very same time

 

Nico Rosberg? 
Would be cool. 

More probably the good old Mike Conway. He did 2 out of 2 Monaco commentaries, why not 3? 

 

 

Anyway, very nice article about Sam Bird

 

Bird: “I Was Weeks Away From Quitting Motorsport”

https://e-racing365....ing-motorsport/

 

Edited by thegamer23, 07 May 2019 - 19:40.

[Vielleicht]

^

 

“It was a nasty period. I basically I got ousted out of Mercedes because of a decision that was made by my management at the time,” Bird told e-racing365.

“Toto [Wolff] didn’t like their answer to something and I then never got to sit back in an F1 car again, never got invited to do DTM and I was told: ‘right, your time here is done.’

Ouch. That's more brutal than I thought.

 

Well, FE's gain I guess. I'm glad things have worked out for him.

[restless]

rain.

No point watching it otherwise.

The dumbest car parade, no racing at all.

[Muppetmad]

^ Like a normal F1 race, you mean 

 

I jest, of course - but my point is that this is only one of a few races so far where we're legitimately worrying about whether good racing will happen. That's not a terrible position for a series to be in.

[Alex79]

rain.

No point watching it otherwise.

The dumbest car parade, no racing at all.

 

Well there is something worrying going on when FE is labelled as 'no racing' but is more exciting in this season than what is SUPPOSED to be the pinnacle of motorsport

[Peat]

Too right Todt doesn't want people comparing F1 and FormulaE.

F1 fans will feel short-changed when they are shown that you CAN pass at Monaco. 

Edited by Peat, 08 May 2019 - 10:19.

[MattK9]

A real shame they are not going full Monaco. Getting the braking right in FE seems more tricky than in other racing series and I would love to see them have to contend with exiting the tunnel on the brakes, downhill, bumpy with a slight amount of steering lock. It is the circuits only real overtaking place.

 

I wonder if attack mode will mean overtaking will be possible into Sainte Devote, the hairpin or at Tabac. Maybe attack mode could be 250 kW just for this race!!

[thegamer23]

I'm fairly confident about the racing, even if it's the short version of Monaco.

Attack Mode should great here, Turn 1 will be a very good overtaking spot.

Edited by thegamer23, 08 May 2019 - 11:02.

[Vielleicht]

^{Picture: @alberto_white (twitter)}

[thegamer23]

[TheJammin]

I'm always excited for FE, this week is no exception. There haven't been many duds this year at all, the majority of races have been awesome.

 

Still hoping for a Mahindra resurgence to end the year off...

[Vielleicht]

Still hoping for a Mahindra resurgence to end the year off...

Awh and it was so nearly that in Paris until the tyre pressures thing. Equipment calibration error apparently.

[TheJammin]

Yeah always seems to be something tripping them up after a solid start to the year. With the way races have been so far cant write them off yet.

[ElectricBoogie]

While not a long straight by any means, for FE Monaco's run to Turn 1 is long by FE standards.

[thegamer23]

Let's have some fun

 

How fast would a Gen 2 lap at the Nordshleife? 
Great video with Jimmy Broadbent, using the Rfactor 2 official Formula E mod (wich is based on real data, so i would say it's pretty accurate)
 

Turns out those cars are capable of doing 3 full laps of the Nordshleife in quali mode.   

 

 

Also, i was not a fan at first, but HWA is growing on me as the best looking FE car on the grid.   

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 09 May 2019 - 07:39.

[Ben1445]

Why do you think the HWA is my new avatar 

 

Funnily enough, looking at those Grand Prix film shots, the low aero grip and narrow, treaded tyres of FE remind me of that era. Couple it with Lotterer saying these cars are the hardest to drive and you've got the inverse of things people have been complaining about for years. Too much aero and too easy to drive. Conclusion; FE is a real drivers sport 

[thegamer23]

That's why i love Formula E.

Futuristic concepts + old style, low grip racing 

[thegamer23]

[thegamer23]

Is there a more spectacular view in Motorsport? 
Sunny & hot, the weather this weekend is set to be perfect! 

 

 

 

 

Rosberg in da house! 
 

CAPTION THIS!

 

Edited by thegamer23, 09 May 2019 - 15:34.

[thegamer23]

 

 

Sam Smith's Thursday Notebook

https://e-racing365....rsday-notebook/

 

Edited by thegamer23, 09 May 2019 - 19:00.

[Ben1445]

Is Shakedown tomorrow? Or is there some kind of Friday is free from on track stuff like for the Grand Prix? 

[Vielleicht]

There's no livestream for the shakedown listed on YouTube, so maybe there isn't one?

[Ben1445]

Let's have some fun

 

How fast would a Gen 2 lap at the Nordshleife? 
Great video with Jimmy Broadbent, using the Rfactor 2 official Formula E mod (wich is based on real data, so i would say it's pretty accurate)
 

So, it's actually similar to mid 60s Formula 1 pace around much of the Nordschleife. A challenge to drive as well. What's not to like? That's a golden era to many people. 

[GenJackRipper]

Ah, I love the early first practice of FE in Monaco. Morning sun at 7 in the morning.

I wonder if people living by the track get awaken by the cars passing by or are the FE cars to quiet?

Anyone know where one can watch the Jaguar I-Pace-race?

[Vielleicht]

Ah, I love the early first practice of FE in Monaco. Morning sun at 7 in the morning.

I wonder if people living by the track get awaken by the cars passing by or are the FE cars to quiet?

Anyone know where one can watch the Jaguar I-Pace-race?

I'll be up bright and early as usual

 

I-Pace is usually on Jaguar Racing's social media feeds, unsure of how location dependnant that is.

[thegamer23]

Earlier this afternoon. PIT WALK LIVE

 

 

 

Tomorrow, early start for the Monaco e-Prix! 

 

Formula E Practice 1 - 06:30 - 07:15
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Practice - 07:25 - 07:55
Formula E Free Practice 2 - 09:00 - 09:30
Formula E Qualifying - 10:45 - 11:30
Formula E Qualifying - Super Pole - 11:30 - 11:50
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Qualifying - 12:45 - 13:15
Formula E Monaco E-Prix (45' + 1 Lap) - 15:33 - 16:30
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Race (25'+1 Lap) - 17:15 - 17:50

 

 

I'll catch up on Sunday, i think   
Have fun, hopefully a good race in Monaco for a change!     

Edited by thegamer23, 10 May 2019 - 18:53.

[balage06]

FYI: The Monaco e-Prix has released for rFactor 2:

https://store.steamp...5960/detail/35/

[thegamer23]

Interesting bit.

 

Turn 3 entry (wich is basically the F1 runoff), has a new super-grippy surface, used to slow the F1 cars down in case of danger. 

The braking point will be so close to the corner, thanks to the extra grip. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sam Smith's Friday Notebook

https://e-racing365....riday-notebook/

 

Edited by thegamer23, 10 May 2019 - 20:02.

[RSRally]

Interesting bit.

Turn 3 entry (wich is basically the F1 runoff), has a new super-grippy surface, used to slow the F1 cars down in case of danger.

Hope that won't be too tough on the tyres over a race distance?

[thegamer23]

FP1 about to start in the streets of MONACO!!!

https://youtu.be/cB4gwOamFpk

[Vielleicht]

Is it just me or is the St Devote (FE Edition) more open than the last couple of visits?

[Vielleicht]

I think the St Devote apex is indeed a couple of meters earlier than previous visits.

Already down into the low 52s

Edited by Vielleicht, 11 May 2019 - 05:50.

[Vielleicht]

Friend with a 51.191

[Ben1445]

Glad for that earlier apex at T1.

Friend with a 51.191

....Frijns?

[Vielleicht]

Yep, Frijns. Silly me!

I’ve got a friend on the ground again today. Just spotted them bright and early in a grandstand on the broadcast (from afar).

I am, however, still where I usually am for FE races. Sadly.

[Vielleicht]

Di Grassi with a 50.183 is our FP1 fastest

[Ben1445]

[Vielleicht]

Practice 2 coming up in 15