Just two weeks after the turn of the year, the next Formula E race on January 13 is on the agenda for Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler.
Following the opener in Hong Kong where Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler showed its ability to win, Formula E is continuing its 2017/2018 season in Morocco. The Marrakesh E-Prix was launched last season as an official partner event of the concurrent UN Climate Conference “COP22” and marked the first ever appearance of Formula E in Africa.
The race this year will again be held at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan. The circuit named after the Moroccan Crown Prince is located only a few minutes’ drive south of the metropolis of Marrakesh. Covering a 2.971-kilometer distance, the circuit is relatively long for a Formula E track and with only few turns but numerous straights offers good overtaking opportunities. Last season, the two drivers of Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt, finished in positions five and six.
Suspense galore guaranteed
14 races at eleven events on five continents – the calendar of the innovative Formula E electric racing series is as extensive this season as never before. Three locations – Rome, Santiago de Chile and Zurich – are hosting Formula E races for the first time. The schedule at each event is tight: free practice, qualifying and the race(s) take place within the space of just a few hours.
Since the 2014/2015 inaugural Formula E season, Schaeffler, with its commitment in Formula E, has been emphasizing its position as a pioneer in electric mobility on the race track as well. Ever since the technical regulations began to provide greater latitude for the 2015/2016 season, specialists from Schaeffler have been involved in the development of the powertrain for the team’s race car. The new Audi e-tron FE04 for the 2017/2018 season incorporates technology “made by Schaeffler” as well. Together with Audi, engineers of the technology group developed the centerpiece of the vehicle: the combination of the motor and transmission.