All you need to know about the 2015/16 FIA Formula E season

Formula E is set to line up for a second season. DHL InMotion briefly summarizes all the important changes. 

The race schedule
As in its inaugural season, the Formula E schedule is made up of eleven races in ten cities with two races being staged at the finale in London in July 2016. Paris is a new addition to the schedule, but Monaco has dropped out due to a clash of dates. Formula E will be staged May 21st at Berlin-Tempelhof airport. The venue for 12th March 2016 has not yet been decided. 

The drivers
While many familiar faces are in the line-up, including reigning champion Nelson Piquet Junior, Daniel Abt, Sebastien Buemi, Nicolas Prost, Bruno Senna, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Nick Heidfeld, who has moved from Venturi to Mahindra, a number of newcomers will be joining Formula E. Lucas di Grassi will again race in the colors of DHL for Team Abt Sportsline.

Jacques Villeneuve, who was crowned Formula 1 world champion in 1997, is by far and away the most famous rookie. The Canadian succeeds Heidfeld at Venturi. Ex-Formula 1 test driver Robin Frijns is also new to the grid. Swiss lady driver Simona de Silvestro, who competed only in the final round last season in London, will contest a full season with Andretti.

The technology
The big difference compared to Formula E's inaugural season is that development of the engine, transmission and cooling system has been opened up. The FIA has named eight manufacturers, who each work with one team but are also obliged to make the e-motor available to other racing outfits at a fixed maximum price. Cars are based on the Spark-Renault SRT_01E from last season but have their own names, depending on manufacturer.

Another technical rule change concerns the cars' performance. Starting this season, engines will have 170 kW on tap in races instead of the previous 150 kW. The amount of energy available over the race distance remains unchanged at 28 kWh. Michelin will continue to supply the all-weather tires. The French manufacturer has extended its contract with Formula E until the end of the 2018/19 season.

The sporting regulations

Formula E sporting regulations have been thoroughly revised. The major rule changes are: 

The fastest drivers from the four qualifying groups will compete for pole position in a shoot-out.

A Full Course Yellow (FCY) period will be introduced, very much like the virtual safety car in Formula 1.

As from this season, FanBoost will be open until the sixth race minute, and so, the extra 100 kilojoules will not be available until after the mandatory car swap.

Race stewards can hand out time penalties that are either served at the car swap or added  to the total time after the race. Drive-through and stop-and-go penalties may also be issued.

Drivers need an 'e-license' to participate in Formula E. To gain their e license, drivers must have at least 20 points in the FIA's super license system or must have held a super license in the past or have participated in at least three races during the previous Formula E season. They must also have attended an approved training session concerning the safety of electrically powered vehicles.

Logistics
Once again next season, DHL will act as official logistics partner to FIA Formula E. Transporting 40 Formula E race cars, highly sensitive lithium-ion batteries and all the teams’ equipment around the world safely and on time is a huge undertaking. But doing it in the most sustainable way possible brings even more challenges. Logistics are, of course, fundamental to any international race series. In Formula E’s case, logistics remain even more crucial, as, being a sustainable championship, it’s one of the most important areas for reducing its carbon footprint as well as one that is heavily scrutinized. With the aim of using more carbon-efficient transport in mind, ship or rail is the preferred mode of transporting equipment for the Formula E circus, including some 450 tons of cars, batteries, wheels, hospitality structures and drivers’ race gear.