FE removes pit stops, introduces two power modes for S5

Formula E will introduce a new two power mode system for races from the start of its fifth season later this year, removing mandatory pit stops from events.

Formula E unveiled its new 'Gen2' car that will race from the start of the 2018/19 season earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show, with the model set to complete a full race distance, replacing the existing car swaps that have been in place since the series' first season due to power limitations.

The series has been working to find a way to keep an element of strategy in races following the removal of the car swaps, but ruled out producing short-lasting tyres like Formula 1.

The World Motor Sport Council confirmed in a release on Friday that a new two-power mode system would be introduced to Formula E. Drivers will be able to use a high-power mode offering a one-second per lap advantage over the lower-power mode, with both required to be used during the races to keep an element of strategy.

A Formula E spokesperson confirmed to Crash.net that the full details regarding the usage of the power modes will be detailed in the final sporting regulations for Season 5, set to be confirmed at the next WMSC meeting in Manila on June 7.

The LED strips around the Halo cockpit protection device on the Gen2 chassis are set to be coloured accordingly to the power mode being used by drivers, making it easy for fans to tell what setting the cars are in.

The WMSC also confirmed there will no longer be a point awarded for the fastest lap in Formula E from Season 5, instead awarding a point to the most efficient driver in a race.

The format for Formula E race weekends will remain unchanged, with practice, qualifying and the race still taking place in one day. However, the race distance has been shortened from 50 minutes to 40 minutes.