Formula E completes first race simulation

The FIA Formula E Championship has taken an important step towards its inaugural race after successfully completing two race day simulations at Donington Park.

The first chance for the teams and drivers to sample the rigours of a challenging single race day format, which will comprise of two practice sessions, a qualifying session and an approximate 60 minute race, the simulation was also designed for organisers to test the logistical aspects of hosting temporary city events.

With the opening round of the maiden Formula E season in Beijing now just a month away, the simulation saw the ten teams and 20 drivers attempt a standing start in the electric cars for the first time, fine-tune battery saving techniques and trial the unusual pit-stops that will see drivers switch to a fully-charged machine for the second-half of the race.

"Putting on a major sporting event in the heart of cities around the world is a massive undertaking and requires careful preparation," said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag. "We want the Formula E Beijing ePrix to a fantastic spectacle, which is why we're leaving nothing to chance by rigorously testing all the systems beforehand. Overall we're very pleased with how things went."

The Beijing ePrix takes place on September 13th and will be held around the Olympic complex in the shadow of the iconic Bird's Nest stadium.