The 2015 / 16 calendar counted ten races in nine different cities , while Formula-E added seven new manufacturers to its ranks . The regulations were eased , enabling the teams to develop their engines , converters , gearboxes and rear suspensions , thus increasing the power to 230 hp . Another Formula-E particularity consisted in drivers having to change their cars in the midst of a race , as the power was still not sufficient to last until the finish line . During the first four seasons , it happened to be one of the most spectacular moments , the racers swapping cars at an incredible speed .

At work in a garage of the ROKiT Venturi Racing team on the eve of the start ( April 29 , 2022 )

FIRST SPONSOR

The third season was marked by quite a major change in the calendar . Formula-E travelled to Hong Kong for the first time , stopping by in Africa in Marrakech and finally holding a double race in New York , the first time since 1896 .

Since the very first E-Prix race , BMW has been Formula-E Official Automotive Partner . BMW i8 is the official safety car , i3 — the race director ' s car , 530e iPerformance — the ambulance .

FIRST CHAMPION

Former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr . became the first Formula-E champion in 2015 as part of China ' s NEXTEV team . He was warmly greeted by Alejandro Agag , the Formula-E organizer and Jean Todt , then FIA President . The French E DAMS-Renault was proclaimed the team winner .

The first racing season had seven winners representing six different teams . A triple champion Sébastien Buemi was leading the competition earlier only to eventually lose by one point . Sam Bird was also a contender but it was Nelson Piquet Jr who in the end won the season .

Lucas de Grassi driving during the Mеxico City E-Prix ( February , 12 , 2022 )

A number of Formula-1 drivers having retired from the prestigious championship pursued their illustrious careers in Formula-E . Among them are Felipe Massa , representing the Monegasque Venturi team and Lucas di Grassi , equally competing for Monaco . Not to forget Heikki Kovalainen , Esteban Gutierrez , Jacques Villeneuve , Sébastien Buemi ,

It was also the first time in 12 years that Jaguar was back as a racing car manufacturer . The 5th season marked the beginning of a bold new era for the electric city racing , intro-

18 / Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2022 www . hellomonaco . com

Hello Monaco #15 Summer–Autumn 2022 | Page 20

Since the very first E-Prix race , BMW has been Formula-E Official Automotive Partner . BMW i8 is the official safety car , i3 — the race director ' s car , 530e iPerformance — the ambulance .

Former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr . became the first Formula-E champion in 2015 as part of China ' s NEXTEV team . He was warmly greeted by Alejandro Agag , the Formula-E organizer and Jean Todt , then FIA President . The French E DAMS-Renault was proclaimed the team winner .