Photo Credit: NEXTEV TCR Formula E Team
BTF had the opportunity to speak with two of the best drivers in the world of Motorsports.
With the second season of Formula E two races in, Beyond the Flag’s Christopher Greenough caught up with two of the motorsport’s top drivers, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Oliver Turvey of the NEXTEV TCR Formula E team.
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C.G. – Though the Spark-Renault is probably one of the best looking open-wheeled race cars currently being driven, it’s possible we will see Formula E become an open championship in the not too distant future. One which would let teams design and incorporate their own ideas into the car’s overall look. In terms of drivability, reliability, and overall speed, what would your perfect Formula E racer look like?
N.P. – I don’t care what it looks like as long as it’s fast!
O.T. – I think this is an exciting part of this championship, the current Spark-Renault cars already look futuristic and the opportunity to develop the cars will be exciting. The second season has already opened up the development of the powertrain, which gives each team an opportunity to improve the electric powertrain technology such as drivability, reliability and efficiency to make the fastest car. In terms of looks, you always want it to look fast but my perfect Formula E car would also look efficient and futuristic.
C.G. – Given that many of the Formula E tracks are street circuits, it leaves little room for driver error. One mistake and a sidewall could quickly become your best friend. As a top-tier racer, being precise and focussed is a must, especially on tracks like Putrajaya, Punta Del Este, and London. As such, do you think competing in the Formula E championship has made you a better driver than before?
N.P. – One thing I can say is that I believe racing in Formula E has improved my skills on street tracks. I’ve done a lot of different racing over the years and this is another championship that has helped me become a more diverse driver.
O.T. – The opportunity to race on street circuits at every race was one of the attractions of the Formula E championship to me as a driver! I have always loved racing on street circuits, due to the nature and challenge of having to be quick and precise, without hitting the wall. I also won on my debut around the streets of Monaco in World Series by Renault 3.5. I believe street circuits are one of the greatest challenges in motor racing, so competing in 11 rounds on street circuits can only help you improve as a driver.
C.G. – Taking only those circuits from the 2014-2015 Formula E championship, which are your top three and why?
N.P. – I like Moscow, London and Monaco and I like them all for the same reason – they are the hardest tracks on the calendar.
C.G. – Having to change cars half way through a Formula E race will one day become a thing of the past. When technology reaches a point where a single battery can hold enough charge to last an entire race, such a practice won’t be needed. However, having that second car spare has saved many drivers’ races a number of times throughout the inaugural season, especially if they’ve suffered from mechanical failure, or a broken rear/front wing. Strategically speaking, if the second car is no longer needed, will you miss having this ‘security blanket’ as it were?
N.P. – I don’t mind what changes they make to the series. The thing that is very important is to make sure the races stay competitive so as long as that happens I’m happy!
O.T. – No, currently you need both cars to be able to win so I have never thought of the second car in that way. It is useful having two cars in free practice in order to try different setups across the two cars but once the racing starts, you need both cars to be performing to their maximum.
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C.G. – From the very start, Formula E has been exciting to watch. I’d like to know however, from the cockpit, what has been your most memorable race and why?
N.P. – It was Long Beach. It was my first win in Formula E and it was exactly 35 years after my father won his first Formula 1 race at the same track. It was an incredibly special day and I was proud to wear a replica of my father’s helmet design to take that win.
O.T. – The Formula E races are always very exciting, its close racing and strategy always plays a part in the races. My most memorable race was my first Formula E race in London, as I hadn’t driven the car until that day, yet I qualified in the top ten and then was running seventh with the leading group and close to my teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr, who was the championship leader. I would also say the first race of this season in Beijing was a great race, as we had a tough qualifying but was able to maximise our race strategy to come from 15th on the grid to finish 6th, which given our pace was the best result we could achieve that day.
Thank you to Nelson Piquet Jr., Oliver Turvey, and the NEXTEV TCR Formula E team for this interview.