Formula E: “We want our fans to be part of the race!”

The clock is ticking and the countdown has begun. Just three weeks to go until the world’s first fully-electric racing series bolts onto the scene. Behind the scenes, the race has already begun. DHL spoke with Gerli Tava, Head of Event Experience at Formula E to get an idea of what is going on backstage to prepare for this new era in motorsports.

DHL: Your title says it all – you’re in charge of how fans will experience Formula E. After months and months of planning, Round 1 in Beijing is right around the corner and excitement is building. What is keeping you busy in these final weeks? 

Gerli: Everything! We are busy  finalizing all the details. From our eVillage, or Fan Zone, to music concerts and trackside entertainment as well as our VIP area, the EMOTION Club, we want to make sure that Formula E fans have a great, interactive experience all day. We have some exciting fun, interactive and technology-driven activities ready for fans to enjoy, not to mention on-track activities such as driver parades. And our VIP guests will experience unparalleled hospitality in the EMOTION Club

Do you think you’ve created a memorable experience for the spectators – one that is sure to win them over as future fans of this all-new motorsport? 

We do not want our fans just to watch the race, we want them to be part of it! Formula E is pure innovation and we have some innovative and interactive surprises in store for our fans. I think they’re going to find a lot of fun in the eVillage, have a great experience, and want to return again. 

What are some of the challenges you face between now and September 13? 

The entertainment element is just as important as the race itself and our teams are working very hard to ensure everything is in place in Beijing. And of course we are working on the various race locations around the world at the same time. All the exciting cities we will visit and the diverse cultures the sport will come into contact with makes our job very interesting,  challenging and gratifying.

What are you doing to ensure the event is sustainable? 

That’s a great question because the focus is so much on the cars that what’s going on behind the scenes – including what DHL is doing with sustainable logistics – gets lost in the mix. We are trying to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum so in each race city we are using local suppliers and sourcing local and recyclable products, wherever possible. We are also partnering with like-minded companies who share our commitment to sustainability.

As Official Logistics Partner, DHL has a lot of experience in environmentally friendly solutions. Are you looking to them for help to reduce your carbon footprint and make the event as sustainable as possible?  

Yes of course! DHL has been a huge help from the very beginning and we consult with them at every stage of the process and in every aspect. Their input is vital in helping us be as sustainable as possible. They have proven to have solutions in every corner of the world that help us deliver what we need on time and as green as possible.