BEHIND THE SCENES: LONG BEACH EPRIX

Palm trees, beach and sunshine: that is the stunning backdrop to the sixth race of the season in Long Beach, California. 24 hours before the electric motors are started up on Friday, DHL invited media representatives to take a look behind the scenes of the most innovative racing series in the world.

“It’s a new and interesting logistical challenge every time,” reveals DHL Head of Motorsport Pier Luigi Ferrari. He organizes the transport of the entire Formula E freight from Europe to Asia, and then via North and South America back to Europe. “Each time, we do our best to carry the cargo in the most sustainable way, so we will opt for sea or rail whenever time constraints permit.”

Special care is required when transporting the 320kg lithium ion batteries. “They represent our biggest challenge,” explains the logistics boss. “We have to monitor the temperature and also the mode of transport which must not vibrate excessively.”

With more than 30 years’ experience of handling the specialized logistics of motorsport, DHL performs this job not only on time but also in the most resource-efficient way. “Carbon footprint is an important issue for us,” says Formula E Press Officer Sam Mallinson. “And in DHL, we have found the perfect partner for this.”

The overall planning of the race calendar is determined by the principle of sustainability, so the order of races follows the shortest possible transport route. Also in selecting the race venues, the series organizers have sustainability uppermost in their minds. “We want to stage our races in the heart of the city, because it is important for us to bring Formula E to the people and not the other way round,” explains Mallinson. “The public should be able to get to the circuit using local transport.”

Like the venue in Long Beach, where the race takes place in the downtown area. 30,000 spectators – 10,000 more than last year when the event made its debut in Southern California – are expected to turn out on Saturday and be entertained by the electric-powered racing of Formula E. One day later, it will be time to say goodbye. “On Sunday evening, the streets will be empty again,” says Ferrari. “By that time, the freight will already be on its way to the next race in Paris.”