143 replies to this topic

[thegamer23]

 

WHEN: Action starting today with the first practices, RACE 1 on Friday, RACE 2 on Saturday      LIVE ON ITV4 
WHERE: Jeddah Corniche Circuit
WHY: Debut of Pit Boost, brand new track for the serie, double header. Lots of action coming up! 

 

 

Forumula E is ready to takle one of the most important weekends in its history!

 

We're in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the famous Jeddah Corniche Circuit (adapted to Formula E), and here this weekend we'll see the debut of the FAST CHARGING technology applied to racing.

It's been called PIT BOOST, a traditional looking pit-stop for "e-refuel" that will grant the drivers about 10% of usable energy (worth around 2-3 laps of running), that the drivers can use in their second stint of the race to attack and gain positions.

A big strategic element (EXPLAINED IN DETAIL HERE) that could really change the dynamic of the races where it's implemented. (only during Double Header weekends, in one of the two races).

This time, the Pit Boost will be used in the Friday's race, while Saturday's race will present the traditional racing format.

 

 

 

 

Along with the Pit-Boost debut, we're going into this race with a lot of excitement, coming from a spectacular Mexico City e-Prix that recorded sold-out crowd on the site (more than 40k tickets sold) and new TV audience records for the series. 

The serie is alive and well, and the faster GEN 3 EVO racing is delivering a streak of fun, spectacula races!

We're approaching this weekend on a brand new circuit for the serie, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, made famous by F1, but here adapted to the series needs.
So, it's going to be shorter and much more technical than the original layout, and will bring unique challenges to the drivers.

The 3 km FE course will have some Montreal vibes, with a few chicanes, each of one with different characteristics, alternated with the super fast, curved sections we've seen also in F1.

 

 

 

 

The Championship battle is as intriguing as ever, with Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan powertrains at the top of the rankings: Da Costa claimed two second places so far to sit at the top of the table, but Oliver Rowland showed insane speed in his Nissan during both Sao Paulo and Mexico, and will be for sure a title contender.

Mitch Evans won in Brazil, but crashed out in traffic during Mexico, while Pascal Wehrlein suffered a huge crash in Sao Paulo before scoring a great podium in Mexico.

These 4 seems to be the Fab 4 at the moment, but we can't rule out surprises in the upcoming races.

Nyck Cassidy had a nightmare start of the season for Jaguar and will be looking for a comeback in Jeddah!
 

 

 

 

Not only these 20 names will fight for a spotlight in Jeddah: this week we'll also witness the Young Drivers Session!
A special session scheduled before Formula E Free Practice 1, that will feature some of the most exciting prospects of the new generation, like Theo Pourchaire, Gabriele Minì and many others, including Jamie Chadwick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is going to be an eventful weekend in Jeddah, be sure to follow and comment here on the thread!     

Here it is a look of the TIMETABLE!

 

 

 

 

TODAY

15.00 | Rookie Session (Live on Youtube)
18.00 | Free Practice 1 (Live on Youtube)

FRIDAY

10.00 | Free Practice 2 (Live on Youtube)
12.20 | Qualifying 
17.00 | Race 1  

SATURDAY 

 

10.00 | Free Practice 3 (Live on Youtube)
12.20 | Qualifying 
17.00 | Race 2  

All times GMT 
 

 

JEDDAH will be LIVE ON ITV4 & web player this weekend for UK audience   


Where to watch Formula E on TV?
Pick your country here
https://www.fiaformu...t/ways-to-watch
 

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 13 February 2025 - 09:46.

[Vielleicht]

I have waited many, many years to see in-race recharging.

At last it is here, and they choose to put this debut on the 14th February.

Ah well, I have plans for this day which unfortunately means I cannot watch live.

I shall have to catch up afterwards.

[jonpollak]

ROOKIE TEST ..(Un grande ringraziamento a Gamer per averci dato l'opportunità di vedere questi piloti F-e vergini)

 

 

Jp

[thegamer23]

Yeah, looking forward to see these rookies in action!!

 

Also, not an easy task for them, new track for FE!

LIVE NOW    

[7MGTEsup]

600Kw charger, ouch. That's a lot of power, hopefully none of them go up in smoke.

[thegamer23]

Pit boost simulations going on, looking cool!

Chadwick fatest so far!

[Vielleicht]

Track modifications are ok. I would have done things a little differently, but this is no disaster.

I think it is a notable difference to be at a Grade 1 street circuit. Diriyah was fun but I don’t think there was much room for upgrade, and the cars are only getting quicker.

I think FE need not fear strategically sharing venues with other series as it has done in the past. Especially now that there have been a few of these already and Gen4 is not too far away.

[RSRally]

The track is very wide but the cars look pretty quick nevertheless.

[thegamer23]

Ouch bit of a contact between Sullivan and Chadwick!!

[thegamer23]

Kush Maini was the fastest rookie!  

Minì also impressive, along with Jensen and Pourchaire.
Kyviat was SENDING it in the very last minute: messy lap, but fun to watch.

 

Tracks looks very fun at 350 KW, cars at the limit on corner exit and entry, some good fast sweepers and that "Bus Stop" chicane looks pretty spectacular.
Not a fan of the very last backstraight chicane, but it's ok.

 

Looks like it's going to be a pretty spectacular 2 days of racing ahead.

See ya for Free Practice 1 in 2 hours!   

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 13 February 2025 - 15:54.

[thegamer23]

FP1 LIVE in 15 minutes from Jeddah!!

https://www.youtube....nwVh89cQ6RrEk0U



.

Edited by thegamer23, 13 February 2025 - 17:47.

[juicy sushi]

The cars look great under the lights.  

[chdphd]

Not heard DC commentate for years

[Vielleicht]

They look very fast here when in 350kW

[sportyskells]

I forgot this was on until I check the epg and I used my brain for the Saturday race with a certain program I normally watch on Saturday on .y playlist as a precaution just in case we get red flags

[cyclist]

If you want to know what is wrong about FE, just look at the way they butchered the track for these cars to race on it. I never liked the original in F1, but to add 3 chicanes, of which two on the main straight is just horrible. FE started on narrow street courses, because it fit with their image and because on these tracks, the low speed and grip of these cars is not so noticiable. They seem to be moving away from this it seems with Mexico and now this (I know it technically a street track, but not really), and I think it is a bad decision. If you look at the race in Mexico on the michey mousier version of the F1 track, these cars just look like toys and their lack of speed becomes so obvious.

 

Just looking at FP2 these chicanes are an eyesore.

[DJH63]

As sad as it is to say, the crap circuits isn’t even in the top 10 issues with FE right now.

[cyclist]

As sad as it is to say, the crap circuits isn’t even in the top 10 issues with FE right now.

Yes, there are many issues:

- lack of proper coverage (paywalls)

- artificial rules

- lack of real technical competetion

- crappy tracks

- bad racing standards

- lack of audience and atmosphere

 

etc. etc.

[juicy sushi]

I mean, the level of coverage is the same as just about every other series, so I don't know what you're claiming there.  "The rules are artificial" seems a meaningless claim in the sense that all rules are artificial, as they are created to define the limits of a thing, so must be externally imposed.  There's an awful lot of technical competition, although because it mostly is in the realm of software and only bi-annual hardware changes, it's not well explained.  Then again, most fans don't seem to care about anything that isn't a new shape of wing even though that's the least important area of actual technical competition in any series.  Racing standards seem the same as just about every other series, so I would love to know what series has great racing standards?  I can't really see any different in atmosphere between this and any other race in the middle east.  But Mexico had a full and loud crowd, so I cannot see the complain about audience holding water.  Compared to which series?

[thegamer23]

Not sure about the lack of audience and atmosphere either. 

Just look at Mexico or London. Sold out events.

I attended most of the Rome e-Prixes and Misano too, and they were lovely events with lots of people attending (more than most of the other series outside F1/motoGP)

Anyway, maybe it's just not a series of your taste, it's normal.
I can only agree on some of your criticism about the tracks, wich are sometimes unnecessarily tight and restrictive, expecially now that we have a much faster and spectacular GEN 3 EVO car.

But i also think that having a chicane more can make the racing faster and less peletony, so it's not necessarily a bad thing in this stage of FE evolution.

 

Edited by thegamer23, 13 February 2025 - 20:43.

[thegamer23]

Fun first day of action in Jeddah!

 

Nissan powertrains are flying! 

Rowland and Nato, securing Top 2 positions in practice!

 

Good signals from McLaren and Cupra Kiro too with Ticktum. Jaguar still a little bit hidden. 


Here it is a look at tomorrow's timetable     

 

10.00 | Free Practice 2 (Live on Youtube)
12.20 | Qualifying 
17.00 | Race 1   (with Pit Boost!)

 

 

[Vielleicht]

I can't really see any different in atmosphere between this and any other race in the middle east. 

Were crowds allowed in at all today? It is said to be sold out for race days. 

[thegamer23]

Were crowds allowed in at all today? It is said to be sold out for race days. 

 

No

They are from tomorrow and saturday

[MattK9]

I must admit I am disappointed they are not on the full circuit. Or the full circuit with extra chicanes. Having played the F1 games, parts of the circuit are amazing. Just not the bit they are driving on this weekend.

The bus stop on the back straight is better than I thought it would be. The chicanes on the start/finish straight are typical FE crap chicane. And the first one is way too close to the hairpin (the last corner on the F1 layout).

I'm super pumped to see the in race pit charging. Let's go. Is there any news on whether the pits will be closed for pit charge during a safety car?

If (when) a SC gets called and everyone pits together it will look a bit silly. I want to see cars pit under green flag and hopefully see different strategies converge at the end of race.

Edited by MattK9, 13 February 2025 - 22:26.

[917k]

According to the link provided in the OP, the Mexico race had higher US ratings than most NASCAR races, the Indy 500 and all US F1 races……that’s either wildly inventive or outright lies.

 

The highlight package on YouTube for that race is sitting at 177k views….the disconnect is absurd.

Edited by 917k, 13 February 2025 - 23:06.

[jonpollak]

According to the link provided in the OP, the Mexico race had higher US ratings than most NASCAR races, the Indy 500 and all US F1 races……that’s either wildly inventive or outright lies.

 

The highlight package on YouTube for that race is sitting at 177k views….the disconnect is absurd.

Fake News.

 

 

Anyway,

Just caught up with the Rookie session and my KUSH...Klass of the field.

 

I REALLY want a race with drivers named..

Eni Mini Maini Moe.

 

Jp

[sgtkate]

Yes, there are many issues:
- lack of proper coverage (paywalls)
- artificial rules
- lack of real technical competetion
- crappy tracks
- bad racing standards
- lack of audience and atmosphere

etc. etc.

Most of these are either not true or exist in every single top Motorsport competition. I suspect Formula E just isn't for you so you are trying to justify your decision. Not everyone like everything. There are definitely issues, mostly to do with the poor tracks and energy management causing peloton races (seems much improved this year though!)

[sgtkate]

According to the link provided in the OP, the Mexico race had higher US ratings than most NASCAR races, the Indy 500 and all US F1 races……that’s either wildly inventive or outright lies.

The highlight package on YouTube for that race is sitting at 177k views….the disconnect is absurd.

By rating do you mean viewing figures or people's scores out of 10 for enjoyment?

[thegamer23]

Good morning all!! 

 

It's RACE 1 DAY in Jeddah!

Free Practice 2 coming in 10 minutes, last chance for the drivers to prepare ahead of qualifying! 

 

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 14 February 2025 - 09:48.

[RSRally]

Is pit boost going to be a thing in Gen4 too?

[thegamer23]

FP2 Results

 

Contact in the last few minutes between Vandoorne and De Vries: the dutch was caught a bit sleeping on the racing line and De Vries smashed in his side.
No big damage to the cars, thankfully.

 

QUALI AT 12.20 UK TIME! 
 

[DJH63]

Yes, there are many issues:

- lack of proper coverage (paywalls)

- artificial rules

- lack of real technical competetion

- crappy tracks

- bad racing standards

- lack of audience and atmosphere

 

etc. etc.

The issues for me all stem from 3:

 

1. refusal to use proper tyres (of course I understand why) which snowballs into the other issues with quality of racing

 

2. the gimmicks, each one more embarrassing than the last. We all know what the issues with EVs are. Accept it and run several shorter races per event if needed rather than having the cars going around far from what they’re capable of, lifting and coasting from lap 1 with a gimmick or two thrown in to try and gloss it over.

 

3. the drivers, and the driving standards. For too long the series has been happy to lean into a form of wacky races that would make Jason Plato blush and with a portfolio of drivers that has grown stale. Of course the lack of driver turnover is an issue in all series nowadays with the reduction in sponsorship opportunities and lack of paying driver roles out there but the average age of the grid is way too high, compounded by the fresh blood that does come in being guys like Barnard and Maloney whose funding exceeds their talent. Of course it’s a pipe dream as the series has always been paddling hard to survive financially, but I’d love to see Agag out there targeting F2 and F3 where every year there are a couple of drivers clearly good enough for more, but without the budget or nationality to ever reach F1.

[RSRally]

The issues for me all stem from 3:

1. refusal to use proper tyres (of course I understand why) which snowballs into the other issues with quality of racing

2. the gimmicks, each one more embarrassing than the last. We all know what the issues with EVs are. Accept it and run several shorter races per event if needed rather than having the cars going around far from what they’re capable of, lifting and coasting from lap 1 with a gimmick or two thrown in to try and gloss it over.

3. the drivers, and the driving standards. For too long the series has been happy to lean into a form of wacky races that would make Jason Plato blush and with a portfolio of drivers that has grown stale. Of course the lack of driver turnover is an issue in all series nowadays with the reduction in sponsorship opportunities and lack of paying driver roles out there but the average age of the grid is way too high, compounded by the fresh blood that does come in being guys like Barnard and Maloney whose funding exceeds their talent. Of course it’s a pipe dream as the series has always been paddling hard to survive financially, but I’d love to see Agag out there targeting F2 and F3 where every year there are a couple of drivers clearly good enough for more, but without the budget or nationality to ever reach F1.

I'm wondering whether you've actually been watching this season? Yes, the tyres are still all-weather grooved tyres but they are much improved.

The racing this year has also much improved thanks to Attack Mode actually functioning so they're no longer having to rely on peloton-style energy management racing to create overtaking.

Re: the drivers I think your assesment of Barnard/Maloney is unfair but agree there are a few drivers who are nearing the end of their FE careers (Di Grassi, Buemi to name two)

The front wing assembly is much tougher this year though so any contact is much less lilely to end in signficant damage and the reduction in peloton style racing has also meant less clumsy collisions imo.

Edited by RSRally, 14 February 2025 - 12:02.

[thegamer23]

It's time for QUALIFYING in Jeddah!    

(live on ITVX for Uk audience)

Quali is set to be very important for the Race 1 with Pit Boost, wich is set to be a fast race with limited energy saving, so more difficult to overtake!

Edited by thegamer23, 14 February 2025 - 12:13.

[thegamer23]

Drama already with Frijns spinning out near pit exit

[thegamer23]

Barnard is flying!

The McLaren rookie set two fastest times in a row in Group 1

De Vries qualifies for the Duels as well with Mahindra, good result for him.

Big losers of this group 1: DAC and Cassidy

[chdphd]

This is such a sterile circuit. There's nothing about it and its surroundings that would make me want to visit.

[thegamer23]

Ticktum gets to the duels!   

Rowland is giving me Verstappen vibes this season

[Vielleicht]

I do think I prefer this to Diryah, all things considered.

[thegamer23]

Duels starts!!

[Vielleicht]

I think this circuit shows off the car’s speed better than Diriyah

They look very fast

[thegamer23]

Go Go Barnard! 

[thegamer23]

Gunther, Barnard, Wehrlein and Rowland will fight for pole!

[thegamer23]

Big win for Wehrlein against Rowland!

And Gunther beats Barnard!

So it's Wehrlein VS Gunther for Pole! 

[thegamer23]

Gunther takes POLE in Jeddah!!

Delight for DS Penske, the german managed to beat Pascal Wehrlein in the Final!
Rowland will start P4, other title contenders further behind: it's going to be a frantic Race 1!

Pit Boost incoming, lots of variables, see ya at 17.00 UK TIME for RACE 1!      

[MattK9]

Impressive from Gunther

[sportyskells]

What lap can the cars can pit if green ?

Got the answer around the 2nd half of the race ans can pit if sc out unless car blocks pit lane

Edited by sportyskells, 14 February 2025 - 16:16.

[thegamer23]

- 20 min to RACE 1 in Jeddah!    

LIVE ON ITV4 for UK Audience

Who's going to nail the first Pit Boosted race of Formula E history?

 

Lots can happen, looking forward to this!
 

Not in UK?
Pick your country here
https://www.fiaformu...t/ways-to-watch

 

 

Edited by thegamer23, 14 February 2025 - 16:41.

[thegamer23]

Looking pretty under the lights.

- 5 min!

[thegamer23]

Green green green!!

Here we go for Race 1!