Formula E makes successful first test of Spark-Renault SRT_01E

The Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E race car has completed its first official test session at the La Ferté Gaucher circuit near Choisy-le-Roi, France. The latest development brings more reality into the much-anticipated and very well hyped FIA-sanctioned formula racing series to debut in September 2014.

The zero-emission racecar completed 40 laps over two days at the circuit with test driver Lucas Di Grassi behind the wheel. The Brazilian driver enjoyed a brief stint in Formula 1 as a test driver for Renault and drove for Virgin Racing. For the test, the car was fitted with a 50kw battery which is a quarter of the maximum 200kw power (270bhp equivalent) the final car will produce.

"It is a great feeling to be driving the Formula E car for the first time," said Di Grassi.

The car was designed and built by Spark Racing Technology based in France together with leading manufacturers and suppliers in motorsports. The chassis has been constructed by Dallara, with McLaren Electronics Systems providing the electric motor, gearbox and electronics, Williams Advanced Engineering the batteries, Renault the overall systems integration and Michelin the tires.

"I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car - even with just a quarter of the power it has quite a lot of grip and the electric motor produces huge torque," Di Grassi added.

So far, seven teams have signified their participation in the ‘world’s first global electric race series’, they are: Audi Sport ABT, Andretti Motorsport, China Racing, Drayson Racing, Dragon Racing, E.Dams, and Super Aguri. The teams come from different top level racing participation like F1, GP2, Indycar, GT and LeMans. Three more teams will be announced in the coming months.