With Formula E increasing in popularity and with real-world applications, Indianapolis should consider hosting an ePrix at IMS, which could help IndyCar.
Formula E is growing at a rapid pace. What started out in 2014 as somewhat of a gimmick race series has become a worthwhile and serious pursuit for drivers trying to get into top-tier motorsport.
The all-electric racing series has attracted a host notable names to join the series since its inception in 2014. It has attracted big name manufacturers to come and invest in the series. BMW began by providing the series with the i8 safety car, and they will expand their involvement in Formula E by becoming a works team with Andretti Autosport for the 2018-19 season.
Mercedes dropped their DTM program to focus on Formula E and will become a works team for the 2019-20 season, according to Formula E. Nissan is also slated to join, replacing Renault, according to Reuters.
The reason? As more and more consumers move toward purchasing hybrid or all-electric road cars, manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Nissan, who all have hybrid or all-electric vehicles (EVs) in their road car line-up, are finding Formula E to be a the perfect marketing and R&D tool for their EV production vehicles.
To date, FE cars have driven on specially designed street circuits or modified versions of noted tracks, mainly Monaco. However, with improved powertrains and batteries, the series has been able to host races at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the site of Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix.
The FE track used for the Mexico City ePrix is not the F1 layout, but according to Formula E, a mostly oval circuit that utilizes the Peraltada and the stadium section. Formula E have used this layout since the 2015-16 season.
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It is because of the success of the Mexico City ePrix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the fact that the United States is the second largest individual consumer of EVs, the fact that Andretti Autosport have been involved in Formula E from the start, and the fact that to cities around the world clamoring to host an ePrix that I believe it is the perfect time for Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to host an ePrix.
There is possibility for a theoretical Indy ePrix to be hosted on the road course without modification due to the improved powertrains set for introduction in the 2018-19 season or a modified oval, similar to the Mexico City layout. An Indy ePrix could alleviate the need for two NYC ePrix, yet still provide the calendar with two U.S. races.
If staged in early May or late April, the single day Formula E event would bring more racing and publicity to IMS in the lead up to the Indianapolis 500. A theoretical Indy ePrix could also potentially help IndyCar secure a third engine manufacturer.
By hosting an international event, it gives IndyCar executives a chance to talk up potential manufacturers into investing in a potential IndyCar program. It also allows a potential third manufacturer to see first-hand the quality of a world-class venue such as IMS.
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All the “what if’s” for an Indy ePrix are very feasible and with major manufacturers entering Formula E in 2018-19 and beyond. Now would the perfect time to see an electric car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.