Formula E has revealed the latest update for the third year of the all electric championship, showcasing a “futuristic” new front wing for the 2016/2017 season, that it is hoped will give the series a “unique visual identity.”
The two-tier wing has already seen a visible presence online, as teams run private testing, with Mahindra boss Dilbagh Gill sharing the design on Twitter, and Formula E revealing the wing mounted on the Renault e.Dams car, on its official Snapchat.
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag addressed the new feature, which appears to serve as aesthetic over function, saying: “Formula E aims to be different, and this new front wing creates a look that’s different to every other car out there. I think this is a great addition to our car and further emphasises the fact that this is a modern, forward-thinking championship that is taking a completely different approach to all other racing series.”
FIA President Jean Todt, said: “The FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great environment in which to develop a completely electric powertrain with new battery technologies, but it is also a platform for experimenting with innovative solutions when it comes to designing single-seater racing cars.”
Newly-crowed Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi became the first driver to offer an in-depth opinion on the new feature, commenting: “I like the look of the new front wing – it looks a little bit more futuristic, and from inside the car you can see the top part of the wing, so visually for the driver there is also a small change. We want Formula E to look different and be different, and the new wing is a good way of showing that. I don’t think it will make too big of an impact on aero which isn’t in the ethos of this championship – but it’s a good way to show visual development heading to Hong Kong for the start of season three.”
The new wing will see its first appearance in pre-season testing at Donington Park, on August 23rd, with testing days opening to the public on the 24th and 25th.
