At the official test days for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at Valencia the countdown to the new season gets underway for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. At the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, all twelve teams in the innovative electric race series will spend the days between 28 November and 1 December . In Valencia they will prepare for the start of the season in Santiago de Chile. The first two races of Season 7 will take place in the South American metropolis on 16 and 17 January 2021.
Important assesment
For the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the five test sessions overall in Spain are an important assessment. It will make clear where it stands ahead of its second season in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. It will be a welcome opportunity to subject the Porsche 99X Electric to a final endurance test. The electric race car underwent continuous development from the engineers in Weissach. Furthermore has it received a new powertrain. André Lotterer (DE/car #36) and Pascal Wehrlein (DE/car #99) will take the wheel at Valencia. They will be the regular drivers during the 2021 Formula E race season. Pascal Wehrlein will represent Porsche for the first time in the upcoming season. Simona De Silvestro (CH) and Neel Jani (CH) are the reserve drivers for 2021.
Quotes ahead of the Formula E test drives
Amiel Lindesay (Head of Operations Formula E): “Our preparations for Season 7 started as soon as the chequered flag was waved after the final race in Berlin. After that we looked at every single aspect of our car and the team processes in great detail. We optimised every little thing with regard to the new season. In that respect, the Valencia test is an important assessment of where we stand. As a new team in the hotly contested world championship with a strong field, we learned a great deal in our rookie season. I am confident that we have made huge progress in development in all areas. But our rivals have been working just as hard. So we’re looking forward to an interesting season. The Valencia test will show us whether we have been working in the right direction and where we stand compared with our competitors.”
André Lotterer (Porsche 99X Electric #36): “I’m looking forward to the test at Valencia with high hopes. We have a very interesting first season behind us. We learnt a great deal and made good progress from race to race. The Valencia track isn’t overly relevant for Formula E, even with the new layout, meaning without the additional chicane and with track limits sensors. But we will see how we measure up to the competition. This assessment of where we are at is important.”
Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche 99X Electric #99): “Valencia will be my first official test with my new team. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve had a really warm welcome from everyone and have settled in well. I’ve visited Weissach several times since August, to prepare for the season through simulator sessions and – importantly – to build a good relationship with my engineers. Now I can’t wait for things to finally get started.”
The Valencia test track
Formula E will travel to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the fourth time for its official test days. After that, the the season officially gets underway. The track, originally designed for motorcycle races, was temporarily adapted to meet Formula E requirements. At first it had an additional chicane. This has been removed again to reduce the risk of damaging the cars. After all, they will be shipped from Valencia straight to Santiago de Chile. Instead of the chicane, various turns will have an innovative track limits system .
Edited Porsche factory press release.
Pictures courtesy Porsche AG.
