Sacred space for all motorsports fans alike – it is time for Monaco E-Prix, folks. Welcome to Round 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
Credit: unsplash.com/@lnyjulien
There is no place like Monaco. But for real though – if you think racing, your mind will probably gravitate towards the iconic street circuit at some point. And in the context of Formula E – we’ve had some phenomenal racing on the streets of Monte Carlo over the past years. With the E-Prix approaching, here is our preview of Monaco E-Prix.
This years race will be the 3rd one in the history of Formula E that will run its course over the same iconic Grand Prix configuration, just as the likes of Formula 1. Monaco E-Prix has been in the calendar since FE’s first season, but back then it run in a shorter course, which was then scrapped in 2022 bringing us the first time when Formula E run on the same exact track as it’s ICE counterpart.
Previously, Monaco was home to Rokit Venturi Racing. Now, it’s home to Maserati MSG Racing, who will be representing their home on race track this weekend – and will hopefully try to keep the momentum they’ve picked up last time in Berlin. Monaco, without any surprises, is also home to many of the Formula E drivers (and Formula 1 drivers alike) on the current grid – which makes it quite easy to get on track we suppose. You’re literally racing in your “backyard” – how much better can it get???
If you’re somehow one of the chosen ones that will be watching the race from the comfort of Formula E grandstands, if there is one place our Chief Editor would like to recommend to you to see, is – very obviously – the Juan Manuel Fangio statue by the Avenue Du Port (? don’t quote us on that). And did you know they had (or still do, maybe?) one like that displayed in front of the Nürbürgring?
Anyway, back to electric racing: ahead of Monaco, and after the end of Berlin, the drivers were asked during the press conference if the switch to Gen3 Formula E cars will have an impact on the spectacle this weekend. Here’s what Jake Dennis had to say about it:
“Can we expect the usual Formula E spectacle? I have no idea. But haven’t seen any data or numbers yet. So, it would be interesting. I think historically it’s much harder to pass [during the race]. So qualifying will certainly be important. I still think qualifying is important here [in Berlin].
I think it’s gonna be just like in the previous years, probably nothing too extreme. I think Monaco, it’s been really good for Formula E over the past couple of years. The race have been really exciting when it’s, sort of, the layout really allows you to manage a good job.
Honestly, I think this year, as long as we get the energy reduction correct with the FIA, and it’ll allow us to save energy, I think we’ll we’ll see. Good overtake. Nevertheless, I think it’s gonna be a great race, but I think the is right qualifying will be crucial just to get away.”
And just before we get all ready for glitzes and glams of Monaco streets – how did the double header in Berlin pan out? Please, don’t tell us you haven’t seen it! We’ve witnessed it first hand and not going to lie – there were definitely moments during both races in Tempelhof when we stopped breathing for a bit. Race one, or as it’s officially called Round 7 seen a maiden 1-2 podium by the Jaguar TCS Racing crew, with Mitch Evans claiming the win over his teammate Sam Bird in 3rd and Max Günther in second. In that race alone, we’ve had 23 overtakes for the lead position, and 190 (!) Overtakes total. We’ve had a crash between Ticktum and Vandoorne, Hughes caught in the wipe-out, a heartbreak for Dennis after he sent it on Da Costa, we’ve had it ALL. In 43 laps. On Sunday, during Round 8 (or as we call it race two, duh) we’ve had a masterclass from another Kiwi, Nick Cassidy, taking his first win this season over Dennis in 2nd and Jean-Eric Vergne in 3rd. The drivers decided to add another 172 overtakes on the board, putting the total number at 362 over those two days of racing. AND it seemed everyone calmed down a bit after Saturday, providing a more-or-less smooth racing that day. Can you guess we’ve had a lot of fun that weekend?
Here’s the sessions schedule for this weekend’s Monaco E-Prix:
FP1 – 06/05/2023 – 07:25 – 08:15 CET
FP2 – 06/05/2023 – 09:05 – 09:55 CET
Qualifying – 06/05/2023 – 10:40 – 11:55 CET
Race – 06/05/2023 – 15:03 – 16:30 CET
You can find the coverage of the WHOLE weekend here at Pitdebrief.com, and don’t forget: enjoy the race, wherever you are! ✨
