The ABB Formula E Series, in which the BMW i Andretti Motorsport team competes, was scheduled to introduce an Evo version of its current Generation 2 car in Season 7, beginning in late 2020.
Now, it will delay the introduction to the 2021–2022 season. The series, the FIA, and manufacturers unanimously agreed to the one-year postponement of the launch in order to reduce costs.
The Evo version of the car features a body kit that includes a revised front wing, a dorsal fin, and a curved rear wing.
Formula E’s release on the change noted the following:
“Following an e-vote, the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) ratified the decision to extend the homologation period, with manufacturers only able to alter powertrain components once over the next two seasons. Teams can either introduce a new car in season seven for a two-year cycle, or continue to use existing technology for the next season before homologating a new car the year after for a single season. After discussion with manufacturers, the changes to the technical regulations have been made with the long-term financial stability of championship participants in mind. Formula E and the FIA have taken a flexible and collaborative approach to decreasing spending, which will see car development costs cut by half over the next two seasons.”
Formula E competition is currently suspended, with the next race tentatively slated for Berlin on June 21.—Brian Morgan
[Photo courtesy Formula E.]
