Hyderabad is getting ready to host the first ever Formula E Indian edition this Saturday. Formula E is the all-electric equivalent of Formula 1 and sees rival teams, drivers and battery-powered race cars battling each other for a spot on the podium. The Formula E race was first held in 2011 and the ongoing season is its ninth, the first to feature a circuit in India.
The Formula E race will hit the streets of Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon with both qualifying and race on the same day. The growing popularity of motorsport in the country means that people in the city as well as elsewhere in the country are quite interested. But not many will be familiar with the key aspects of Formula E racing and the Formula E event in Hyderabad.
Here are the answers to the five big questions surrounding the Indian edition of Formula E:
See the team garage on the streets of Hyderabad that will host Formula E, the Indian version.
What is Formula E and how is the race organized?
Formula E sees battery-powered, open-wheel racing cars compete against each other in a fast-paced and thrilling format. There are currently 11 teams with two riders per team. Some teams also have reserve drivers.
There are two free practice sessions – the first is on Friday, followed by qualifying and the race. The qualifying format is different from that in Formula One, and the race itself has several key elements. Even so, all the competing cars share the same chassis and battery, and drivers start on a level playing field. This is also the first season of Gen3 cars being introduced.
Also read: Formula E rules and regulations explained in detail
When and where to buy Formula E tickets?
The second practice session will take place on Saturday between 08:05 and 08:55. The elimination session will take place from 10:40 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. The race will take place between 3:03 PM and 4:30 PM. Day passes can be purchased online via BookMyShow and prices start at $1,000 onwards.
How to watch Formula E from home?
Formula E will be streamed live on the Star Sport 2 channel and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
How is the Hyderabad Formula E track?
The venue for the Formula E race in Hyderabad is a 2,835 km track and has up to 18 turns. It also boasts some fast straights, and most drivers would agree it’s also one of the most challenging laps on the calendar. The moderate heat in Hyderabad is likely to increase the level as well as the racers over 32 laps, unless of course the battery runs out first.
Also read: Traffic restrictions announced by Hyderabad police for race day
Is there an India connected to Formula E teams and drivers?
Mahindra Racing has been a part of Formula E since its inception and is likely to receive maximum support throughout the course of the Formula E race in Hyderabad. Brazil’s Lucas di Grassi and Great Britain’s Oliver Rowland are the team’s two main drivers but India’s Jehan Daruvala is the designated reserve driver. This will obviously be the team’s first home race.
Then there is TCS Jaguar Racing owned by Tata. Its two drivers are New Zealand’s Mitch Evans and UK’s Sam Bird. ABT Motorsport is also a notable team as they use the Mahindra powertrain in their cars.
First published date: February 10, 2023, 6:20 PM IST
