Back to the annual appointment with Formula E. On 12 and 13 April Rome will be transformed into the homeland of electric racing cars which will parade through the Eur district of the capital in a battle to the last corner.
After last year's success, the organization expects another sold-out for 2019, with the presence of 35 people, 5 more than in 2018, while the E-Prix will be broadcast live on TV in 90 countries (For Italy live TV is on Italia 1).
A long-awaited event which, among other things, will be good for the city: the organization will bequeath an asphalt without potholes (obviously only in Eur), about forty CCTV cameras connected to the forces of order and distributed in various areas of the city and electric columns. Positive repercussions are also expected from an economic point of view: for 2019 the balance will be positive by approximately 20 million euro (the contract with the FIA provides for an investment of 60 million over three years).
FORMULA E: WHATÈ
Formula E is the first championship dedicated to fully electric cars designed by the FIA (International Automobile Federation). Born in 2014, over the years he has managed to gain popularity and fame. The races all take place in the center of large cities, guaranteeing a suggestive scenario for each race. Since last year, a multi-year agreement has been in force with the Swiss company ABB, which has become title partner of the championship. Following the agreement, the new denomination is in fact the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
In total are 13 stages of the championship, which departed from Saudi Arabia on 15 December. Rome is the seventh stage, the season will end on July 14 in New York.
Rome took part in the championship for the first time in 2018 and, in addition to this year's edition, will also host those scheduled for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
FORMULA E ROME 2019: DAYS, TIMES AND PROGRAM
The Formula E grand prix will be held on Saturday 13 April in the Eur district in the south of the capital. Events planned for the previous day as well. “'This year the E formula doubles – announced the Capitoline councilor for sport, Daniele Frongia – Friday will also be a great day dedicated to sport and entertainment with a great evening concert. An event organized in collaboration with the Paralympic Committee”. “Another important novelty – continues Frongia – is the E-Parade which will allow anyone presenting an eco-sustainable vehicle to experience the thrill of driving on the race circuit”.
In the afternoon of 12th April in fact, citizens in possession of two and four-wheeled electric vehicles will be able to test the track with their own cars.
As for the key day, that of 13th April, the "gates" of the Allianz E-Village will open at 7.00. Half an hour later the first free practice will begin, at 10.30 the second practice session, at 11.45 the qualifying. The start of the race is scheduled for 16.00. Here you are the complete program:
FORMULA E ROME 2019: THE CARS
The fifth season of the Formula E championship brought with it a very important change. Up until last year every driver was forced to stop mid-race to change their car which didn't have enough range to complete the race.
From this year however only one car will be used. There will be 22 Gen2 cars in the race which, compared to the previous ones (Gen 1), have doubled power and battery and will be able to go on for all 46 laps (45+1) scheduled. In detail, each single-seater has a power of 250 kW, the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 280 km/h.
FORMULA E ROMA 2019: HOW THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS GOING
There are 11 teams competing, with two riders each. Nine manufacturers, including Jaguar, Nissan, BMW, Audi, DS, Mahindra and Venturi.
Among the drivers, this season has seen the debut of former Formula 1 driver, Felipe Massa. On the other hand, there is no Italian driver in the race.
How is the championship going? At the head of the general classification is Antonio Felix Da Costa (62 points) with his BMW Andretti Motorsport. In second place Jerome d'Ambrosio (61 points, Mahindra Racing), third Jean Eric Vergne (54 points, DS Techeetah).
As for the constructors' standings: at 97 points are Envision Virgin Racing and Mahindra Racing, followed by just one point behind Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler. Fourth DS Techeetah with 95 points.
FORMULA E ROME 2019: THE CIRCUIT
The Eur circuit has a length of 2,84 km, for a total of 21 bends. The starting line is in Via Cristoforo Colombo, the cars race around the Obelisk in Viale Marconi, continue along Viale della Civilità del Lavoro and Viale dell'Agricoltura and cover a stretch of Viale dell'Industria. The arrival is in Piazza JF Kennedy.
FORMULA E ROME 2019: MOBILITY
In the days before and after the race, mobility could undergo major changes. Roma Mobilità informs that the Eur: “is affected by a work program for setting up (from March 31st to April 10th) and dismantling (April 14th -21st) of the circuit. The work takes place, for the most part, at night and involves some changes to the routes of the bus lines, circulation and parking. From 20.30 on 10 April to 5.30 on 15 April the Cristoforo Colombo is closed between the intersection with via Laurentina and via dell'Oceano Atlantico”.
For detailed information, consult the Roma Mobilità website.
FORMULA E ROME 2019: TICKETS
Tickets for the grandstands are already sold out, which will also entitle you to entry to the Allianz E-Village. As in 2018, the FIA has made available free tickets in the lawn area. To obtain them, you must register on the Formula E website, in the section dedicated to the Rome E-Prix.
There are also grandstands reserved for disabled people and carers. Admission is free for 100% disabled person and accompanying person (it is mandatory that the accompanying adult is of age). Disabled people up to 99% will be able to purchase a ticket for the reserved area and a free ticket for the companion (the companion must be of age). In both cases, an email must be sent to specialassistance@romeeprix.com indicating the name and surname of the disabled person, a telephone/email address and the certificate of disability or equivalent document. There is also the right to a car park near the dedicated grandstand.
