Racing

The Ideal Pace Car For Formula E

by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
BMW i8
All photos
Photo: Qualcomm

Formula E is currently the trendy series in racing. For its first season, it has to attract as many fans as it can if it hopes to become as popular as NASCAR, WRC and Formula 1. To do so, they have chosen to be flamboyant: all their races are in city centres, the cars don't have any kind of traction control and are equipped with slippery tires, and the teams have already confirmed some known drivers.

In a presentation at Donnington Park, the series organizers unveiled their new official safety car: a splendid white BMW i8. This choice makes sense, as this car is currently the hot new electric vehicle on the market.

This BMW is also equipped with a unique inductive charging system developed by Qualcomm, the official sponsor for Formula E. The car just has to park over a charge pad, and its batteries get refilled wirelessly.

You will be able to see this new BMW i8 at the first Formula E race of the season in Beijing on September 13.

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