Ya se están realizando las pruebas con el SRT_01E de la carrera Formula E (eléctrico) que empezará en septiembre de 2014. Spark Renault está comprobando y adaptando todos los componentes y los primeros resultados son muy prometedores. Como dicen los responsables del concept: nos cuesta esperar el momento para ver las 20 unidades preparadas para inaugurar la primera carrera en Beijing en 2014.
Recordamos que estos bólidos de carrera para la primera fórmula eléctrica están desarrollados por Spark Racing Technology en Francia, con el apoyo de una serie de importantes empresas. El bastidor viene de Dallara, los sietmas electrónicos con el motor y la transmisión de McLaren, las baterías las aporta Williams Advanced Engineering, los neumáticos Michelin y Renault se ocupa de la integración y perfecto trabajo de todos los sistemas.
La FIA Formula E Championship, que empezará en septiembre de 2014 en Beijing, es la primera serie de carreras con vehículos eléctricos, que recurrirá varios países y continentes.
Unveiled earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new single-seater was driven by Lucas di Grassi who will be undertaking the early test and development work. The zero emission car completed around 40 laps over two days with the initial task of checking all systems were functioning correctly. 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. “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."
Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technology, said: “Everything went very well and it was a very positive maiden run for the Spark-Renault SRT_01E. The car ran for around 40 laps with no issues straight out of the box, which looks good for the overall reliability. We were also running with a much smaller battery than we will use – just 25% of the full power - which again gives us confidence going forward. The next test is planned for the coming weeks where we want to increase the mileage on the car, working our way up to a full race simulation.”
Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoters Formula E Holdings, added: “The first test was a historic moment for the championship and we are delighted with how it has gone. We think teams, drivers and fans will love the way it looks and sounds. Now Frédéric and his team, together with Lucas, will begin to put mileage on the car, focusing on durability. It is a very exciting development and we can´t wait for that first race in Beijing in September 2014 to see all 20 cars lined-up on the grid.”
