News – 2021 Apr – GitGo Images

Formula E, FIA and ACM reveal new track layout for Monaco E-Prix

– Increases in performance and range in Gen2 era enable the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to race around new, longer circuit configuration

– Extended track layout will test driver’s energy management skills – with a combination of steep inclines and high-speed sections

– Track will feature iconic corners including the Casino Square, Mirabeau and see the all-electric Formula E cars exit through the tunnel for the first time

London, England (April 16, 2021)– Formula E, the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) have today revealed a new track layout to be used for the 2021 Monaco E-Prix, on May 8.

The 19-turn, 3.32km Formula E track will see the all-electric cars go up the hill after the first turn at Sainte Dévote and complete a new section for Formula E, including famous corners around Casino Square, Mirabeau, the Grand Hotel Hairpin and Portier.

The LED lights on the halo will also illuminate as the cars make their way through the famous Monaco tunnel for the first time in ABB FIA Formula E World Championship history.

Increases in car performance and range made throughout the Gen2 era has enabled Formula E to return to the Monaco E-Prix using a longer circuit layout.

Former champions Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams) and Jean-Éric Vergne (DS TECHEETAH) have both collected the winner’s trophy from HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, with Buemi being the most successful driver around the streets of Monaco in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with two E-Prix victories.

This year’s edition will be the fourth running of the Formula E event in Monaco, with the event continuing to be included on the calendar on a biennial basis.

The FIA homologated track will consist of different kerb placement at Sainte Dévote, exactly as its inception in 1929, and a change in the chicane layout at T11 on the harbour front on the exit of the tunnel.

Round 7 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – the Monaco E-Prix – will take place on May 8 at 16:00 local time (15:00 BST).

(Information source & image credit: FIA Formula E Championship)

華南虎及香港蘇格蘭人隊主帥將率領香港參戰「2021亞洲欖球錦標賽」兼力爭「世界盃外圍賽」出線

[2021年4月14日，香港]: 香港欖球總會(欖總)宣佈香港蘇格蘭人欖球隊(蘇格蘭人)及前華南虎主帥夏文(Craig Hammond)，將於即將舉行的「亞洲欖球錦標賽」期間執掌港隊帥印，賽事預定在11月上演並兼備「2023欖球世界盃外圍賽」角色。

此舉為下月即將離任總經理(欖球營運)而往李斯特猛虎隊(Leicester Tigers)履新的利鍾斯、以及將於6月結束的「精英十五人欖球項目」鋪路。前港教頭賀爾(Andrew Hall)和侯祖瑟芬(Jo Hull)將過渡性填補利鍾斯的空缺，夏文的華南虎及港隊組軍經驗令他成為這重要賽事的理想人選。

曾在利鍾斯和賀爾麾下擔任前鋒和防守教練的夏文高興地說:「這是我過去幾年夢寐以求的崗位。我曾參與華南虎和港隊的組軍和教練工作。」

隨著男子隊精英項目轉為半職業的兼職模式，夏文可同時服務港隊和蘇格蘭人。自2012年加盟蘇格蘭人後，他的地位一直舉足輕重。任職於港隊期間，他在蘇格蘭人的身份將由主教練轉變為欖球總監。

夏文續說:「與華南虎及利鍾斯和賀爾合作後，我的教練經驗豐富了很多。我經常說如果有機會執教港隊，我會一口應承，而今次與蘇格蘭人的磨合亦非常特別。」

這次與港隊的承諾令他十分忙碌，皆因「精英十五人欖球項目」即將於6月結束，還有本地和國際賽賽程因新冠疫情帶來的變數。

面對眼前挑戰仍保持鎮定的夏氏續說:「現時仍有很多未知之數，球員去年的欖球時數甚少，所以仍然充滿變數。」

「『亞洲欖球錦標賽』和『世界盃外圍賽』令今年格外重要，我十分雀躍參與其中。經歷了2018年的『世界盃次輪外圍賽』後，我知道球員下了很多苦功希望重溫勝出『亞洲欖球錦標賽』的美夢。」

香港欖球經過一番轉變後，夏文的首要工作是締造新的營運環境，他道:「我們體系裡已有很多具天份和聰穎的球員，亦有更多本地優質球員愈趨成熟，還有8名本地超級聯賽球員應會趕及在『亞洲欖球錦標賽』前合符港隊資格。」

「眼前有大量籌備工作有待完成，兼職模式和人事變動亦會改變港隊面貌，同時亦會為其他人創造機會。」

「我們雖然時間緊迫，但仍朝著好的方向發展。我們向來擁有出色的球員和教練，轉為兼職模式後，球員的留隊慾望反而更烈，更能在有限的時間内全程投入最高水平的訓練。」

「現在需要大家更加賣力達成我們訂下的目標 – 連續3屆稱霸『亞洲欖球錦標賽』、出線『世界盃外圍賽』和營造勝利的氛圍。這是香港欖球的重要之年，未來數月至為關鍵。」

夏文已準備就緒並道:「我十分興奮著手制造大家樂於置身和互相競爭的環境，球員和教練們樂於接受自身和同儕間的競爭，從而激發潛能為港爭光。」

夏文補充說:「我喜歡投身於這般環境中，亦樂於建立能應付壓力的團隊和文化。我從一些熟悉此道的賢能之仕身上學會如何培育場內外領袖人物。我不介意辛苦和十分期待由零開始。」

夏文應付新崗位的最大優勢是豐富的教練經驗、亮眼的球員履歷和熟悉港隊運作，他亦指出在利鍾斯麾下工作的經驗對他日後教練生涯的發展意義重大，他說:「我知道主教練和助教有天壤之別。利鍾斯經常鞭策我，執教華南虎便是例證。他是我的恩師，常常鞭策我和逼我突破舒適圈，這些經驗如今將派上用場。」

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ HKRU)

Redemption in Rome for Stoffel Vandoorne as Mercedes-EQ driver seals victory

Fast facts

– Mercedes-EQ’s Stoffel Vandoorne launched himself into the mix of the drivers’ championship with his first race win of the season, followed over the line by Alexander Sims (Mahindra Racing) and Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team).

– Belgian bounced back from a disappointing race yesterday to fight his way from fourth on the grid, securing TAG Heuer Fastest Lap for good measure – catapulting him from 15th in the standings to fourth in 24 hours.

– Sims put on an overtaking masterclass when racing returned green after a caution period on his way to second spot, with TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team driver Pascal Wehrlein taking the final podium position after Norman Nato (ROKiT Venturi Racing) was disqualified for energy overuse.

– Action-packed race once again started behind the MINI Electric Pacesetter, with Julius Baer Pole Position winner Nick Cassidy (Envision Virgin Racing) spinning out of the lead soon after the race was underway.

– Drivers’ championship leader Sam Bird (Jaguar Racing), and the man third in the running pre-race, Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ), were wiped out making contact with one-another as they fought for points on the cusp of the top 10.

– Edoardo Mortara (ROKiT Venturi Racing) came home fourth, followed by Maximilian Günther (BMW i Andretti Motorsport), Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing), António Félix da Costa (DS TECHEETAH), Tom Blomqvist (NIO 333), Nico Müller (DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT) and Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams) completing the points paying positions.

– Formula E returns in two weeks’ time with the all-electric racing series heading to Spain for the inaugural Valencia E-Prix on April 24 & 25.

(Information source & image credit: FIA Formula E Championship)

Jean-Éric Vergne wins action-packed race in Rome

Fast facts

– DS TECHEETAH’s Jean-Éric Vergne took the 10th win of his Formula E career around the Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR, followed closely behind by Jaguar Racing duo of Sam Bird and Mitch Evans.

– Jaguar Racing achieved their first double podium in Formula E, with the British squad being led to the chequered flag by Bird, who started the race in 10th and Evans in 12th.

– The MINI Electric Pacesetter led the cars off the start line due to mixed conditions on track. Once the pack was released it wasn’t long before Julius Baer Pole Position winner Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) and André Lotterer (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) tangled, leaving them both out of contention.

– Vergne and Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) enjoyed a game of cat and mouse with the pair continuing to swap positions through Attack Mode activations. On Lap 21, the Brazilian slowed with a technical issue, leaving Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) to take evasive action and spin into the barriers.

– The Safety Car was deployed and brought the cars across the finish-line, with the podium finishers followed by Robin Frijns (Envision Virgin Racing), Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams), René Rast (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler), Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team), Alex Lynn (Mahindra Racing), Maximilian Günther (BMW i Andretti Motorsport) and Nick Cassidy (Envision Virgin Racing).

– Racing actions returns tomorrow, April 11 for Round 4 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – the Rome E-Prix.

(Information source & image credit: FIA Formula E Championship)

ROME E-PRIX PREVIEW: ALL-ELECTRIC RACING RETURNS TO THE ETERNAL CITY FOR DOUBLE THE ACTION ON APRIL 10 AND 11

– ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Italian capital

– Updated track layout second-longest in Formula E history with high-speed runs and tight, complex sections and more opportunities for overtaking

– Find out where to watch the Rome E-Prix this weekend

Rome, Italy (April 8, 2021) – All-electric racing returns to Rome on April 10 and 11 for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with a new circuit layout for the double-header race weekend and FIA President Jean Todt in attendance.

Driver round-up

Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ) heads to Italy on top of the drivers’ standings, having completed a Formula E first in the Diriyah opener, topping the timesheets in Free Practice, Group Qualifying, Julius Baer Pole Position, and claiming his maiden race win and the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap for good measure.

Jaguar Racing lead the way in the teams’ standings as new signing Sam Bird sealed a dream victory in Round 2 in Diriyah. That result saw the Brit extend his unique streak of winning an E-Prix in every Formula E season to-date. It also drew him level with Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) in second on the all-time winners’ table with 10 victories. Bird is also a winner in the Italian capital, having won the inaugural race in 2018, and he’ll be among the favourites this time around.

Last time out in Rome, it was Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing) and André Lotterer (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) who fought tooth-and-nail for the full 45 minutes. In the end, it was the Kiwi who held his nerve, forcing Lotterer to settle for second with Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) rounding-out the podium positions.

Rome E-Prix

The 19-turn 3.385km Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR has undergone a number of changes in close collaboration with local authorities for Season 7, and sees the track become the second longest in Formula E history behind Beijing.

The updates ensure the circuit’s character is retained, while strengthening Formula E’s legacy in the area by making more space for spectators at future events, bringing local businesses into the fold and carrying out important restoration work.

The Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazzale Marconi remain landmarks and, starting from this year, the circuit will wind its way around the iconic Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, also known as the “Square Coliseum”.

It’s a mix of high-speed runs and tight, complex sections and undulations with plenty of opportunities for overtaking at the hairpin and some 90-degree bends – peak Formula E and a big favourite of the drivers.

“The new layout is fantastic: it has longer and faster straights and offers more opportunities for overtaking,” said 2017 Formula E Champion, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler’s Lucas di Grassi. “I’m sure the fans will love it; I can’t wait to race there.”

Sustainability

Showing the natural alignment of Formula E’s reason and racing, in Rome the series will continue its series of Positively Charged grid moments, on this occasion, shining the spotlight on the new multi-year partnership with UNICEF’s Safe and Healthy Environment Fund.

Since Formula E first visited the city, e-mobility options for Rome’s residents have improved significantly. There are 60 electric minibuses operating across the city and Italy’s ‘Good Mobility’ policy encourages the use of electric bikes and has legalised electric scooters. Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, announced that the city would phase out diesel vehicles by 2024.

Rome’s impressive mobility response to COVID-19 has been recognised at European level, following its support of walking and cycling, enabling safe public transport, and its plan for 150km of transitory cycling routes. In total, €3.2 million has been set aside for Rome’s plan, with 20km of these lanes currently in place.

Where to watch

Formula E’s media partners will be broadcasting comprehensive coverage to millions of households through a combination of network and digital coverage. Ahead of Season 7’s debut in Diriyah, Formula E provided an update on its global media partners and broadcast coverage.

Looking to the double header in Rome this weekend, Formula E will strengthen its presence with increased exposure across a number of key territories:

– In Italy, both Italia 1 and Sky Sports Uno will be broadcasting live coverage from site, throughout the weekend.
– In Germany fans will be able to watch all the racing action from the Eternal City live on SAT.1 including 30 minutes of pre-race build up on both Saturday and Sunday, including expert opinion and analysis from ex-Formula E driver, Daniel Abt, live from the studio in Munich. Comprehensive coverage of the weekend will be available on the Ran.de platform.
– In the UK, BBC Two will be broadcasting Saturday’s E-Prix live, with digital coverage of both Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying and race sessions across BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website and the Red Button.
– Formula E fans in France will be able to take in the action live through the L’Equipe.fr digital platform with additional same day repeat coverage ‘as live’ on La Chaine L’Equipe.
– In Austria, fans will be able to catch all of the racing action live on ORF 1.
– Across Europe, Eurosport will also be airing Rounds 3 and 4 live on Eurosport 2, with qualifying highlights immediately before each race programme, and further coverage on Eurosport Player.

To find out where to watch the Formula E season opener, visit: www.fiaformulae.com/en/watch/ways-to-watch

The Formula E app allows fans to go behind the scenes and listen to driver radios, hearing live reactions as the race plays out. To listen in, download the app on iOS and Android.

Get involved

There are more ways than ever before to follow the action from Formula E, all from the comfort of your home.

Vote for your favourite driver to receive an extra boost of power with FANBOOST via the FANBOOST website and Formula E app.

Can you predict the unpredictable? The Formula E Predictor puts you in the hot seat to predict each round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Join the full Formula E race day experience as the Allianz E-Village goes virtual. Starting from Monday of race week and until the event comes to a close, the Virtual Allianz E-Village has fans covered with exclusive content straight from the paddock.

The action from Rome can be followed as it happens in the Live Hub. An all-new Live Timing experience – including a real-time interactive track map and the ability to follow your favourite driver – plus detailed session reports.

Round 3 and 4 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place in the Italian capital of Rome on April 10 & 11, with races starting at 16:00 and 13:00 local time (15:00 and 12:00 BST) respectively.

Audiences can plug in and follow the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube. @FIAFormulaE #ABBFormulaE

(Information source & image credit: FIA Formula E Championship)

FORMULA E AND UNICEF LAUNCH MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO HELP CHILDREN THROUGH UNICEF’S NEW SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FUND

– Formula E is the first global sports organisation to partner with UNICEF on climate change

– Over three years, Formula E will contribute to improving the wellbeing of three million children worldwide, through UNICEF’s global Safe and Healthy Environment Fund, which focuses on environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation programming

– The partnership launches ahead of the Rome E-Prix where there will be a pre-race grid tribute and annoucement video featuring UNICEF UK Ambassador Ewan McGregor

London, England, (April 08, 2021) – Formula E today announced the all-electric racing series’ support for UNICEF’s Safe and Healthy Environment Fund, which aims to create a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment for children.

The three-year partnership builds on the success of the 2020 collaboration between Formula E and UNICEF focused on protecting vulnerable children and families affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Formula E will now be supporting UNICEF’s Safe and Healthy Environment Fund, created to deliver environmental programmes and policy actions for children and young people around the world.

Formula E, like UNICEF, wants to accelerate positive change around the world, with its #ChangeAccelerated campaign to ensure children and young people grow up on a cleaner, safer planet. The funding from Formula E will contribute to programmes and policy actions to improve the wellbeing of over three million children. Projects supported by the Fund include initiatives to provide schools with sustainable energy solutions and reduce child exposure to air pollution through increased monitoring and advocacy.

According to UNICEF, children are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. Nearly 160 million live in areas of high or extremely high drought severity, over half a billion in high or extremely high flood occurrence zones and an estimated two billion in areas where air pollution levels exceed standards set by the World Health Organisation. A sport designed for fans of the future and aligned to the FIA’s PurposeDriven movement, Formula E feels a responsibility to protect this next generation and will use its global platform to raise awareness of and amplify UNICEF’s work.

(Information source & image credit: FIA Formula E Championship)

ENTER THE GLADIATORIAL ARENA: 2021 ROME E-PRIX PREVIEW

ROKiT Venturi Racing looks ahead to the 2021 Rome E-Prix

IN NUMBERS

Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR
Length // 3.386-kilometers
Corners // 19
Best Finish // P8 [Maro Engel, 2018]

THE CITY

The Rome E-Prix was first held in Formula E’s fourth season, and after a two-year absence, returns to the calendar as the third and fourth rounds of the 2020/21 campaign.

A 2,700-year history makes Rome one of Europe’s oldest cities, and as the home of the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, it is one of the most visited locations in the world.

Rome’s EUR district (Esposizione Universale Roma) acts as the backdrop to the Rome E-Prix and Formula E’s first World Championship races on European soil.

THE TRACK

The 2021 Rome E-Prix takes place on a revised version of the Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR of old, and at 3.386-kilometres, the circuit is the longest on the Season 7 calendar.

Featuring a mixture of 19 low, medium and high-speed corners, the track snakes around the city streets of the EUR district to create a fresh challenge for drivers and teams alike.As his home race, the Rome E-Prix is also a special event for Edoardo Mortara and the street circuit specialist will surpass 35 races for ROKiT Venturi Racing off the back of a podium performance in Diriyah.