A dream come true. That’s how FIA President Jean Todt describes the Paris ePrix in the event’s official programme: “To see motor sport take place again on the streets of the French capital, where the first real motor race, the Paris-Rouen was held over a century ago, is something I had always wanted, right from the very beginning of my journey in the world of racing. Today, it has become a reality and it is even more pleasing that it has come about thanks to a championship which, by its very nature, looks to the future.” It is a dream, but one that was already predicted from the pen of Jean Graton, the author of the Michel Vaillant stories. Back in 1983, he came up with a comic strip, “300 à l’heure dans Paris” (300 km/h in Paris) featuring his hero on the streets of the French capital.
Today, this dream, this vision becomes a reality. The seventh round of the FIA Formula E Championship will take place around the majestic Les Invalides complex, right in the heart of Paris, not far from the world famous symbol of the city, the Eiffel Tower. Furthermore, the track is just a few kilometres from one of the “homes” of the FIA, its historic base in the Place de la Concorde.
The championship lands in Europe to begin the final phase of this its second season after Lucas di Grassi emerged triumphant in the Long Beach race. The Brazilian fought back in the best way possible after the disappointment of Mexico City and his third Formula E win rocketed him into the lead of the series.
Currently, only one point separates Di Grassi from Sebastien Buemi, who picked up just two points in California, those that come with setting the fastest race lap. The Swiss driver certainly plans to reassert himself in Paris, which is a home race for his team, Renault e.dams, but he will be up against stiff opposition in this regard. France is not just home to the “Régie” but also to another car constructor directly involved in the electric championship, namely DS who, along with its partner Virgin, will definitely want to put on a good show in front of its home crowd.
The gang of French drivers – Nicolas Prost, Stephane Sarrazin, Jean-Eric Vergne and Loïc Duval – is the biggest in terms of nationalities fighting it out and they all have additional motivation to do well at this round. Last but not least, Michelin, the sole supplier of tyres for these cars is also French. However, it’s not just the French who will be fired up here. To win, or at least get on the Paris ePrix podium, will definitely be something special, given the location of the track: it is 1.920 km in length and drivers will tackle its 14 corners (8 right-handers and 6 to the left) a total of 45 times.
Timetable, April 23th
08.15 – 09.00: Non qualifying practice 1
10.30 – 11.00: Non qualifying practice 2
12.00 – 12.06: Qualifying Group 1
12.10 – 12.16: Qualifying Group 2
12.20 – 12.26: Qualifying Group 3
12.30 – 12.36: Qualifying Group 4
12.45 – 13.00: Super Pole
16.04: start of the Race
Results and Fanboost on http://fiaformulae.com
Info FIA