New FE car like a ‘science fiction movie’ - Audi’s Abt

ABT Audi Schaeffler’s Daniel Abt has described the feeling of driving Formula E’s new car that will be introduced next season as like being in a “science fiction movie”.

The ‘Gen2’ car, which was formally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show at the start of March, has undergone its debut runs with all Formula E teams in on-track tests at Monteblanco three weeks ago and a second test at Calafat last week, ahead of its introduction to the all-electric championship for season five. 

Reigning champion Lucas di Grassi drove Audi’s new e-tron FE05 for the first time in the opening Monteblanco test, before teammate Abt got his first taste behind the wheel of Formula E’s new machinery, which has a battery capable of completing a full race distance - eliminating the need for mid-race car swaps that have been a part of the series since its inception in 2014. 

“I was really excited about my first test and arrived in Spain with great expectations – and they were even surpassed,” Abt said following his run at Spain’s Calafat Circuit last week. “Driving is huge fun and the car marks a major step forward in every respect.

“On the race track, the Audi e-tron FE05 looks even more spectacular than it does on pictures. When you’re driving between other cars you almost feel like you’re in a science fiction movie.” 

Audi team principal Allan McNish said he is confident his team is heading in the right direction for the 2018/2019 campaign before the next test of the season five car, which is scheduled for May. 

“It’s a good sign that Daniel and Lucas instantly feel comfortable in the new car and handle it well. A lot of work has been invested in the whole development project, not only in the tests on the track but also at home in Neuburg. Even though we still have a lot of work to do we know that we’re heading in the right direction.”