Sorry I tried, but cannot `get' formula E.

[Pan Pan]

Having watched a couple of these races, I just could not get on with them, not sure if it is the lack of noise but to me it seemed about as exciting as watching milk floats from different dairies
trying to beat their rivals to the supermarket. Given the speeds they may be quite exciting for the drivers, but as a spectator sport, it seems to be over hyped pants.

[SpudLink]

Pan Pan said:

Having watched a couple of these races, I just could not get on with them, not sure if it is the lack of noise but to me it seemed about as exciting as watching milk floats from different dairies
trying to beat their rivals to the supermarket. Given the speeds they may be quite exciting for the drivers, but as a spectator sport, it seems to be over hyped pants.

You're not alone. I watched the first race, but gave up on the second while the safety car was out.
I've tried to be openminded, but it doesn't excite me. The noise is part of the problem. There is no doubt that part of what I enjoy in motorsport is the sound of the internal combustion engine.
Another problem is the inner city circuits, which I have never been a fan of.
Then there is the artificial idea of swapping cars mid race. I understand why they need to do it, but I don't like it.
Also, I think they made a mistake in marketing it as an alternative to existing formula racing.

If I was the man in charge of trying to push this on the public, I guess I would probably have made similar dedlcisions about locations, social media interaction and pop concerts to get the kids interested. The thing I would have done differently is aim for Formula Ford style car with low grip and minimal downforce. This would make the spectacle more exciting as drivers balance and slide the cars, but reduce the drag that saps battery power.
Anyway, I'll probably give Forumla E a miss for the next couple of seasons. If it survives I'll give it another look eventually .

Edited by SpudLink on Thursday 11th December 09:57

[Pan Pan]

SpudLink said:

Pan Pan said:

Having watched a couple of these races, I just could not get on with them, not sure if it is the lack of noise but to me it seemed about as exciting as watching milk floats from different dairies
trying to beat their rivals to the supermarket. Given the speeds they may be quite exciting for the drivers, but as a spectator sport, it seems to be over hyped pants.

You're not alone. I watched the first race, but gave up on the second while the safety car was out.
I've tried to be openminded, but it doesn't excite me. The noise is part of the problem. There is no doubt that part of what I enjoy in motorsport is the sound of the internal combustion engine.
Another problem is the inner city circuits, which I have never been a fan of.
Then there is the artificial idea of swapping cars mid race. I understand why they need to do it, but I don't like it.
Also, I think they made a mistake in marketing it as an alternative to existing formula racing.

If I was the man in charge of trying to push this on the public, I guess I would probably have made similar dedlcisions about locations, social media interaction and pop concerts to get the kids interested. The thing I would have done differently is aim for Formula Ford style car with low grip and minimal downforce. This would make the spectacle more exciting as drivers balance and slide the cars, but reduce the drag that saps battery power.
Anyway, I'll probably give Forumla E a miss for the next couple of seasons. If it survives I'll give it another look eventually .

Edited by SpudLink on Thursday 11th December 09:57

Having tried to make the effort of watching two of these races, I wont be wasting my time on any more
They also seem to have a whiff of holier than thou, ecomentalist about them, which further reduces my chance of watching another.

[kazste]

Not sure id watch again again either just too slow. Would be good though to see something like an electric car in the btcc but as for formula e i gave it a go i watched both races and went to a test but maybe ill watch the british one and see if any better next year.

Shame.

[MG CHRIS]

Theres only been 2 races which have both been early morning races which isn't ideal for us I watched bits of the first and missed the 2nd, will I keep on watching it yes as long as the racing is good.

Its a new series will have a load of problems to overcome but next year is when the tech can be developed.

[kazste]

Might of been early morning for you but i watched the first one in the maldives looking out across an ocean and had to look up from my ipad to watch the dolphins playing whilst on the deck of our ocean water villa.

Sorry to be a dick but its a true story and the most PH i have ever felt

[TheDoggingFather]

Just watching it now on ITV4, my God it's complicated, somebody just got a drive through penalty for using too much power? The Fan boost? Sounds like a load of old st to me. The TV coverage seems to miss all the important overtakes too. Not impressed thus far.

[SpeckledJim]

kazste said:

Might of been early morning for you but i watched the first one in the maldives looking out across an ocean and had to look up from my ipad to watch the dolphins playing whilst on the deck of our ocean water villa.

Sorry to be a dick but its a true story and the most PH i have ever felt

They weren't playing, they were suffocating!

You're supposed to put the dolphins back once you've caught them.

[RichB]

I watched the first 10 mins of this but got bored. I waited in anticipation for the start and then they went off in silence. Didn't wait to see them use the fanboost but I doubt it was particularly exciting. Not for me...

[MG CHRIS]

Some good moves, and battles throughout the field yea agree about the poor tv coverage but it will improve over time.
Interesting split with strategy do you go out hard at the start then have to conserve the 2nd car better or the other way round. Once this year is over and the teams can develop the car for next season.

[isleofthorns]

Watched it today --- preferred it to your average f1 race.

[whoami]

It'll die a natural death.

As it deserves.

[Allyc85]

in the bit I saw there was some decent racing today. Its just that horrific screeching noise they make, the car change and the micky mouse tracks they race on that winds me up...

[9.3]

I think I managed four or five laps before I literally fell asleep. As the previous poster mentioned, like watching milk floats. Some gorgeous Uruguayan girls though!

[9.3]

I think I managed four or five laps before I literally fell asleep. As the previous poster mentioned, like watching milk floats. Some gorgeous Uruguayan girls though!

[The Hypno-Toad]

whoami said:

It'll die a natural death.

As it deserves.

I don't think it will. There is some serious money backing it and when you consider there will be a bigger challenge next year with team building their own chassis and up to 6 powertrain suppliers rumoured to be circulating, I don't think its going to wither on the vine like A1GP or SuperLeague (remember that?).

Although this circuit wasn't brilliant, concentrating on street tracks is a very clever idea and they are trying very hard to engage with the fans, which something F1 is NOT doing at the current time. The racing seems to be very close and the footage of them coming through the chicane last night was excellent & exciting

I've said it before that if Mr Newey or Mr Horner turn up at one of these races to have a nose around Bernie will crap his pants.

It was first of the races I've seen all the way through and I've got to say I was impressed.

But yes they do sound like supercharged milk floats.

[AnotherClarkey]

At the moment it is a curious mix of good racing and some more contrived elements but there is at least always something going on. Yes, the cars are a bit pedestrian at the moment but that should start changing when powertrain development is opened up next season - and the TV editor gets more of a hang for sticking with where the action is.

It may be my imagination but everyone involved seems to be having fun, which is refreshing. I would be interested to hear more from the drivers about what the cars are like to drive.

I am looking forward to seeing the London race live in June.

[callyman]

Maybe they should start thinking along the lines of death race.

That'd get people watching.

[Far Cough]

Finally managed to record one yesterday so will watch it later. Judging by the comments , I`ll give it 10 minutes tops !!

[anonymous-user]

It's OK but lacks speed, grip, noise and excitement........

Seriously, I think this formula will bring back the spectators who go to watch accidents. I don't think it's a coincidence that they are running them on tight street 'circuits' with massive kerbs, it guarantees accidents of one form or another and they do seem to be the few interesting bits.

I'm surprised at some of the drivers they have attracted, they must be paying them well.

I noticed from the bit I watched that even when racing, on long shots they look like they're on formation laps.

Hopefully, if money continues to be put in, they will get them a lot more power and speed, allow them to use it and maybe give them some decent rubber.