Salvador Duran: We can achieve great things for the future

Salvador Duran experienced an impressive Formula E debut in Mexico City. After the race, the local favorite talked to DHL inMotion about the long-term importance of the world’s first electric racing series for the country and about the tremendous enthusiasm of the fans.

Salvador, why was it important that Mexico should host the Formula E series?
There are numerous reasons why it was important that we should bring Formula E to Mexico. We all have a responsibility to do something for the planet, and there are many different ways of going about this. One is to develop new technologies, by which I mean new energy options. As is only too apparent, we especially need that in Mexico. The work we do in Formula E is aimed at demonstrating that there really are opportunities for cleaner and better energy. We want to show people that we can utilize this in motorsport and still have real racing. We want to entertain the public while assisting the major manufacturers in the development of new technologies. That’s the reason why motor racing came into existence in the first place.

What does that mean in specific terms for Mexico City?
For example, electric car owners have so far had limited opportunities for recharging their vehicles. That is about to change. After this Formula E race, the city will be getting its first charging stations. It’s not going to be easy, but for Mexico City, it’s at least a good start. It’s nice to see how Formula E leaves a lasting legacy on host cities. I am incredibly proud to be in at the start of this great story.

What does sustainability mean to you personally?
If you compete in Formula E, you learn a lot about sustainability and see that everyone is capable of making their own improvements. That’s the great thing about Formula E: you are fully integrated into the overall concept. If everyone makes small improvements, things will gradually get better. As I said before, you have to start somewhere. For us, it all started here, and I believe that we can achieve great things for the future.

The enthusiasm of Mexican fans for motorsport is palpable. What impression did it leave on you?
First of all, I’d like to thank the home crowd for their tremendous support. For the whole of the weekend, the atmosphere here was electrifying. It was great fun being a representative of Formula E in Mexico. I especially want to thank everyone for their Fanboost votes – something else that shows the enthusiasm of the Mexican people for motor racing. The atmosphere all around this magnificent track was just fantastic. The fans on the grandstands generated an incredible noise. Driving through the stadium section gives you goose bumps. The podium ceremony was the culmination of the event and provided more great publicity for motorsport in Mexico. As other prestigious racing series have now started coming to Mexico, I believe that things are really looking up for the country in this respect.

What is the most fascinating aspect of Formula E for you personally?
The series is on a mission for a better environment. In addition, fans are able to get close up to the drivers and the cars. We want children and young people to come to the racetrack, because they are the future. That’s what fascinates me. In any case, Formula E has some really excellent racing contested by the best drivers in the world. The level of performance is very high, as you can see from the races. It’s not just a matter of driving fast but also managing the energy supply, which means being smart and anticipating what might happen later. That’s a great challenge!