Formula E Championship organisers have announced a number of rules tweaks for the forthcoming 2017-18 season, the fourth in the series’ history.
Drivers will be permitted an extra 10kW of power in race mode next season, increased from 170kW to 180kW overall, meaning races should be quicker than in 2016-17.
The bonus championship point on offer to the driver who sets the fastest lap in each race will now only be awarded if the driver also finishes inside the top ten.
Last season’s fastest lap bonus points were all awarded to drivers who finished outside the top-ten – a number of whom were caught up in early race incidents and opted to try for a quick lap in their second race car to claim the extra point on offer.
For double-header championship events such as Hong Kong, New York City and Montréal, there will no longer be a non-qualifying session on the schedule. A separate practice session day, and one reserved for rookie drivers, has also been added.
Formula E Championship officials also confirmed that the same ten teams which competed in the 2016-17 season are confirmed for the 2017-18 campaign, albeit with some name changes.
ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport will now be known as Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler in recognition of the German carmaker’s increased involvement in the team. Chinese outfit NEXTEV NIO has been renamed as NIO, while Dragon Racing has lost its Faraday Future title sponsorship.
Image via FIA Formula E Championship
Richard Bailey
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