RE: Ferrari planning Formula E entry
Monday 3rd April 2017
Rumours are continuing to circulate that Ferrari is planning to enter Formula E. The latest indicator is Sergio Marchionne's interview in Auto, the FIA's official magazine. We say indicator; it sounds a lot more like confirmation: "We need to be involved in Formula E because electrification via hybridisation is going to be part of our future". He described hybrid vehicles as "crucial" to Ferrari, adding that the technology must benefit Ferrari "not just in terms of emissions reduction, but also performance."
That has been seen already with the LaFerrari, but it now seems that we can expect more Ferraris to harness EV tech. And how better to advance the technology than with motorsport?
Ferrari planning Formula E entry?
Well if you thought BMW was a surprise...
However, unlike BMW, Jaguar and Audi, Ferrari's official entry appears a little way off. Motor1 is reporting that a full factory effort is unlikely before 2022, though Ferrari could provide factory support to private teams sooner. Suggested examples are a Kaspersky Racing team - already an F1 sponsor, plus with a GT team with a 488 driven by Giancarlo Fisichella - or as a Fiat branded outfit. This would follow the pattern set by BMW with a few seasons supporting another team (BMW's being MS Amlin Andretti) before committing to a solo effort.
Interestingly Formula E boss Alejandro Agag hasn't commented on the rumours yet, adding only that he thought "it was time Mr Marchionne and I met". It would be quite a coup to have Ferrari involved in the sport, wouldn't it? The move would surely bring a lot more fans to the series as well. And finally, it's hardly like Ferrari made a hash of its first hybrid effort, so will be fascinating to see where the road cars go with additional expertise. We'll be following this one with interest...
Discussion
kambites said:
The racing is, IMO, no less interesting than F1 (which admittedly is setting the bar relatively low).
I think the racing is actually better in F-E, as they're closer in performance, and can mix it up with each other more often, more driver focused.I think F1 is more of a spectacle though, through noise, speed and pomp....which sadly is just fluff....the focus of the show should be the racing, and then add the fluff on to suit.....imo...
I find it hard to watch the F-E cars bump and scrape down a straight at visually slow speeds with sound effects, crowd noise, commentary and music drowning out the electric-whine... (and that's from someone who quite likes the jet-like whine of some of the modern EV 'super cars')
Quickmoose said:
I think the racing is actually better in F-E, as they're closer in performance, and can mix it up with each other more often, more driver focused.
I think F1 is more of a spectacle though, through noise, speed and pomp....which sadly is just fluff....the focus of the show should be the racing, and then add the fluff on to suit.....imo...
I find it hard to watch the F-E cars bump and scrape down a straight at visually slow speeds with sound effects, crowd noise, commentary and music drowning out the electric-whine... (and that's from someone who quite likes the jet-like whine of some of the modern EV 'super cars')
Aren't they closer in performance because all the cars are exactly the same. Only difference is race set up ? I think F1 is more of a spectacle though, through noise, speed and pomp....which sadly is just fluff....the focus of the show should be the racing, and then add the fluff on to suit.....imo...
I find it hard to watch the F-E cars bump and scrape down a straight at visually slow speeds with sound effects, crowd noise, commentary and music drowning out the electric-whine... (and that's from someone who quite likes the jet-like whine of some of the modern EV 'super cars')
Quickmoose said:
I think the racing is actually better in F-E, as they're closer in performance, and can mix it up with each other more often, more driver focused.
I think F1 is more of a spectacle though, through noise, speed and pomp....which sadly is just fluff....the focus of the show should be the racing, and then add the fluff on to suit.....imo...
I'd agree with this. Fundamentally the racing is pretty good. The drama and politics in F1 is all well and good, but how often do the races actually match that? People still talk fondly about Canada in the wet being the last great race...that was 6 years ago!I think F1 is more of a spectacle though, through noise, speed and pomp....which sadly is just fluff....the focus of the show should be the racing, and then add the fluff on to suit.....imo...
I think, like some with the BTCC, no matter how good it is some/many people will simply refuse to get on board for whatever reason. That's fine, but there is no need to exert so much energy knocking it.
Pull somebody out from under a rock, stick them in front of an F1 race, an FE raceday and a BTCC raceday and I'd be fairly confident in how they'd rank them. This is coming from somebody who would watch all 3 quite happily, but would be even happier sat on the bank of Quarry watching 40+ saloons etc club racing at Castle Combe.
99dndd said:
Trouble is, it's at most F3 speeds with at least 4 times the costs.
All electric racing is still in its infancy, very much so. That's kinda the point though, manufacturers are queueing up because it's where the big tech gains (and money) are in the future. The rate of development is presumably going to be one hell of a lot quicker than it was for the internal combustion engine in terms or racing.
Edited by ukaskew on Monday 3rd April 12:29
Vitorio said:
FCA hardly has anything electric right? Theyve done some electric small cars for niches, but they dont have any real volume electric or even hybrid car. Only hybrid i know of is the frigging LaFerrari.
They introduced their sole Hybrid in America late last year/ earlier this year; 
They did dabble with some back in 2009, but I think they were quietly ushered out the range over time.
KarlMac said:
Making the huge assumption it's still around in its current form by 2022.
Why would it not be? It seems to have overcome the awkward period with two cars etc and has very healthy manufacturer interested/involvement over the next few years at least.I think all involved parties are very unlikely to allow it to fail, even if it was struggling. Like it or not the future is more than likely electric racing.
Is this not just Ferrari trying to strengthen its position (and protect its bonus payments) before the F1 concorde negotiations in 2020?
Short of the highly unlikely event of a number of teams forming an entirely new series, Formula E looks like the only likely alternative to F1, and seems to be attracting Manufacturers at a rate that Liberty can only dream of.
Short of the highly unlikely event of a number of teams forming an entirely new series, Formula E looks like the only likely alternative to F1, and seems to be attracting Manufacturers at a rate that Liberty can only dream of.
ukaskew said:
KarlMac said:
Making the huge assumption it's still around in its current form by 2022.
Why would it not be? It seems to have overcome the awkward period with two cars etc and has very healthy manufacturer interested/involvement over the next few years at least.I think all involved parties are very unlikely to allow it to fail, even if it was struggling. Like it or not the future is more than likely electric racing.
It's going to be interesting to watch either way
The Hypno-Toad said:
This story was dong the rounds a few months ago but with Ferrari saying they would only enter if they could build their own chassis.
Who knows?
I guess that might be why they're talking about a few years away for entering, the rules will probably open up for that eventually.Who knows?
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