Ben Sulayem hails ‘nearly impossible’ Formula E ‘evolution’

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem congratulated Formula E and its founder Alejandro Agag on completing a “nearly impossible” mission, following Thursday evening’s successful launch of the Gen3 Evo.

RacingNews365 were in attendance at the glamorous launch event of Formula E’s new car which took place at the Car Collection of HSH Prince Rainier III. The Gen3 Evo is the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater, with it being capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 1.82s.

This is 30% faster than the current era of F1 cars, marking a phenomenal feat by the all-electric series. The car will be introduced at the start of next season.

Ben Sulayem spoke highly of Formula E at the launch event and conceded that most people “never had the trust” that the championship would reach its current point.

He hailed the innovate series as an “evolution” and revealed his initial thoughts on the series following a meeting with its founder.

“It’s always good to be here, and to go back and see the vision that Alejandro had,” said Ben Sulayem. “And then when we sat down I remember in London and I said, you know, I didn’t say your mad but it is as I come from motor racing, from rallying.

“It’s just the way he saw it. It was nearly impossible to do. But the technology has evolved. I won’t say it’s a revolution more an evolution. When you look at the cars before, how heavy the battery was, unreliable. I mean, we have the same issues with the WRX.

“Same issues, but then coming to the FIA teams, with Alejandro when the championship was made as the ABB World Championship, and I don’t think most of the people never had the trust that it will reach where it is now.”

‘Clear message’ sent

Formula E has undoubtedly come an incredibly long way since the inaugural race in Beijing back in September 2014. On that day, two cars were required per driver to finish the race, due to the limitations of the battery technology.

That is very much a thing of the past, with the newest Formula E car being capable of regenerating 50% of the energy needed to complete a race during the race itself. The staggering acceleration is also achievable thanks to brand-new all-wheel drive and softer tyres.

It is also not a simulated 0-60 mph time, with it having been achieved by Formula E safety car driver and development programme driver Bruno Correia whilst testing the Gen3 Evo.

“The technology they evolved is incredible,” added the FIA president. “First with the batteries, then even with the all-wheel drive, that you regenerate 50%, and the 600 kW, and it is incredible. These numbers, I guarantee you will be beaten next year.

“Because by the time we do this race, there will be a new evolution in it. And the good thing that the FIA and Formula E are working together hand in hand.

“Definitely, when you look at the weight also, there will be new batteries that tell us more, but they are lighter. So really, it sets and sends a message, a clear message of sustainability and of innovation.”