In a recent interview with Formula One Journalist James Allen, Cyril Abiteboul (former team principal of Caterham F1) shared his thoughts on the influence of the electric era in motor racing. As many of you know, Formula One has ditched the term engine for the term power unit. In part this is because the cars are now powered by a true active hybrid petrol and electric power plant.
By contrast, Formula E is powered solely by electric power. This technology is finding its way into many Motorsport series and is blurring the lines of what
once was and what exists today. While the direction may not be clear, Abiteboul is clear about fuel cells being something of interest (perhaps) in the distant future...
Here is what he shared,
“It’s still very early days for the FE championship, but the series has high ambitions to make a mark on the Motorsport fraternity.
It is clear that electric technology will become a major technology in the future and, like F1, we stand to learn a lot from its use in a cutting-edge, high pressure racing series.
It is possible that, as the technology
advances, we could see an overlap between Formula E and other racing series – not just F1, but also endurance racing – and we are already making sure we create the right synergies between the technical teams supporting the various programs. But for the foreseeable future, I think the series will be very complementary to existing championships.
Once it is properly established, it will be interesting to understand to which fan base it appeals and compare it to that of F1 as ultimately Renault must be involved
where its customers and where the audience are.
A fuel cell is a specific technology for generating electricity on-board a vehicle, normally using hydrogen. The technology has been explored for a number of years, with greater or less interest. There is the potential for it to be implemented in Motorsport in the distant future, but for now it’s not a path we will tread, at least for the foreseeable future.”
Images: Octane Photographic
story Ernie Black