Following the end of Friday’s double session, Envision Racing successfully concluded a long and productive testing week at the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid.
Following the devastating recent floods in Valencia, Formula E organisers managed to move the official test week to Madrid, giving all teams and drivers the planned amount of running time on track. With a new car for Season 11, that time out on the circuit was crucial for both drivers and teams alike.
Drivers Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns were put through their paces across the six three-hour sessions, testing various settings and perfecting their driving, whilst the team gathered data from every lap in the new GEN 3 Evo machine.
The next generation car features all-wheel drive for the first time in Formula E history – resulting in the latest generation of cars becoming the fastest accelerating single seater, reaching 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds.
As well as adapting to the enhanced power and acceleration, the drivers and teams have had the challenge to begin to master the new optimised Hankook all-weather iON tyres, which provide 5-10% more grip. Driving style, as well as car set-up to maximise the performance of the tyres have been key to maximise the capabilities of the new car.
The team left the test feeling satisfied that all run plans had achieved, focusing on a variety of settings and controls while learning more about the impact of the new tyres and technology have on both the single-lap speed and overall efficiency of the car.
With so many variables the timesheets do not necessarily reflect the true pace of all drivers, meaning all eyes will be on Brazil in a few weeks’ time for a first insight into how everyone compares.
The test week saw the first ever race simulation in the GEN 3 Evo take place, with 21 cars on the grid. Drivers were able to experience the all-wheel drive as they launched off the start/finish line, and completed a mandatory ‘Pit Boost’ stop ahead of its potential implementation at select races during Season 11.
The data gathered from this test will give the team back at base plenty to analyse and prepare for the first round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in São Paulo on December 7.
