Formula E fans were greeted with a warm “Ni hao” as the championship series returned to China for its eleventh and twelfth rounds in Shanghai. The Shanghai International Circuit played host to the electric racing series, offering a new challenge to the drivers and teams.
One of the original Formula E teams, ERT, had the home advantage in Shanghai. The team, formerly known as NIO 333 and China Racing Formula E Team, has been a part of the series since its inception in 2014. The circuit in Shanghai featured a modified layout, with a chicane added to the long back straight, making for an exciting race.
The weekend got off to a dramatic start during the first practice session when a software update issue caused some cars to lose power, leading to a red flag. Despite the initial setback, the session resumed, with Jaguar’s Mitch Evans topping the timesheets.
As the championship battle heats up, drivers like Nick Cassidy and Pascal Wehrlein are vying for the top spot. Cassidy, who leads the championship, is prepared for the unique challenges of the Shanghai circuit, expecting close racing and strategic battles.
Team principals raised concerns about potential issues with the batteries in the cars, hinting at a possible software update glitch. While the exact cause remains unclear, the teams are gearing up for an intense double-header weekend in Shanghai.
With a history of thrilling races in China, Formula E fans can expect more excitement as the series continues to push the boundaries of electric racing. Race one of the FIA Formula E Shanghai E-Prix kicks off on Saturday, followed by race two on Sunday, promising action-packed racing for fans around the world.