Formula E: The BMW i Andretti Motorsport preview for the BMW i Berlin E-Prix.

2019.05.22

Formula E: Track facts and key factors BMW i Berlin E-Prix.

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is in Berlin this weekend for round ten of the season. BMW i is the title partner of BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s home race again. In this preview, we present the most important facts on the circuit and the key factors for a successful BMW i Berlin E-Prix presented by CBMM Niobium.

TRACK FACTS BERLIN.

Circuit length: 2.375 km, relatively short. Driven anti-clockwise.
Corners: 5 left-handers and 5 right-handers. Slowest corner: T6 (approx. 48 km/h). Fastest corner: T8 (approx. 160 km/h).
Track surface: Very flat, same concrete surface throughout (airfield)
Grip level: Medium. As the circuit is not on public streets and there are no leaves or pollen on the track, qualifying group 1 should not be at such a great disadvantage.
Circuit layout: Relatively high average speed. As such, relatively high energy consumption. Two long straights and a wide track allow for good overtaking manoeuvres.
Tyre wear: High. Particularly on the right side. Tyre wear can be a key factor in the race.
Attack Zone: ATTACK MODE is activated on the outside of Turn 6. There is a risk of losing positions.
Risk of crashes:Relatively low, due to the wide track.
Key factors: High efficiency of the drivetrain, energy management, tyre wear.

QUOTES AHEAD OF THE BMW I BERLIN E-PRIX:

Jens Marquardt (BMW Group Motorsport Director):

“The first home race for BMW i Andretti Motorsport this weekend is something very special for us. As ‘Official Vehicle Partner’, BMW i has been closely associated with Formula E from Season 1. BMW i has also been title partner of the BMW i Berlin E-Prix since 2018. We now come to Tempelhof Airport as a racing team for the first time – and with our sights set firmly on converting the great potential of the BMW iFE.18 into good results. So far, we have done well in our debut season and, despite a few highs and lows, we are still in the thick of the race for the Drivers’ title with António Félix da Costa. The whole team is determined to put on a good show for the German fans in Berlin.”

Alexander Sims (#27 BMW iFE.18):

“The home race for our team and BMW is another new circuit for me. I have prepared well in the simulator and have the impression that the track is far more spacious than the typical, narrow street circuits we often drive on in Formula E. Overtaking seems to be possible, which will make the racing more interesting, particularly for the fans. The unusual race format, with the practice sessions on Friday and then straight into qualifying on the Saturday, represents a new challenge. However, I am really looking forward to it.”

António Félix da Costa (#28 BMW iFE.18):

“I am really looking forward to the home race for BMW i Andretti Motorsport in Berlin. Our package is very good and I believe we should do well on the circuit at Tempelhof Airport. Unfortunately, we have not had the results we hoped for recently, but I am still in the race for the Drivers’ title. Hopefully we can bounce back strongly in Berlin and score some important points.”

The FANBOOST vote.

FANBOOST gives Formula E fans the opportunity to vote for their favourite driver and award them an extra boost of power during the race. The five drivers with the most FANBOOST votes are awarded a significant burst of power, which they can deploy in a five-second window during the second half of the race. Fans can vote for their favourite driver in the six days prior to, and leading up to 15 minutes into, each race. Each fan can vote once per day. There are three ways to vote: Online at https://fanboost.fiaformulae.com/, via the official Formula E App or on Twitter using the hashtag #FANBOOST plus the drivers first and last name as a one-word hashtag.

Hashtags of the BMW i Andretti Motorsport drivers:

#AlexanderSims
#AntonioFelixdaCosta

The BMW i Fleet:

BMW i is “Official Vehicle Partner” of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Season 5. Spearheading the fleet are two Safety Cars: The BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 46 g/km)*, which has been specially modified for use at the racetrack, and the BMW i8 Coupé Safety Car (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 42 g/km)*. The BMW i fleet also includes the BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined energy consumption: 14.3 kWh; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)* as “Race Director Car” and the BMW 530e (combined fuel consumption: 2.2-2.1 l/100 km; combined energy consumption: 13.6-13.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 49-47 g/km)* in its role as “Medical Car”.

#Formel E