Monaco ePrix 2015: The European Leg

Formula E touches down in Monaco for the European leg of its first edition, with the end of the season within sight

If your memories of Monaco is the same as that of most people who follow motorsport on television, you will recall the Monte Carlo street circuit’s iconic corners and sections like Casino Square, the tunnel, Mirabeau and the Fairmont hairpin - what was formerly the Loews and before that the Station hairpin – along with Tabac, the swimming pool complex and Anthony Nogues at the end of a lap of the 3.340 km circuit.

FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS

For the first European round of the 2014-15 FIA Formula E Championship, however, a shortened, 1.765 km version of the track that took a sharp diversion to the right instead of taking the St. Devote right-hander and leaving out the section of the GP circuit until the chicane after the tunnel section was used.

Due to the limited capacity of the all-electric Formula E cars and the visibly lower power and speeds as compared to their F1 counterparts, the uphill climb was considered too much of an ask for the, as yet, developing electric cars, which are due for changes that will eventually see more power and eliminating the need for a driver to change to another car in the middle of a race.

MORE FURIOUS THAN FAST

Until then however, the USP of Formula E remains some pretty hectic racing on street circuits and almost unrivalled access for fans who attend the races in person.

The Monaco ePrix lived up to that with a nasty pile up following the first corner of the first lap of the 47 lap, 83 km race.

Daniel Abt suddenly slowing in front of Bruno Senna’s Mahindra Racing machine led to the Brazilian’s chances of a top-five finish getting dashed spectacularly as he flipped over the Audi Sport ABT machine.

With the second Mahindra of Karun Chandhok languishing at the rear of the field throughout the weekend, it was not a race to remember for the Indian outfit who, nonetheless, have high hopes for the following races in Berlin, Moscow and London. Strong points finishes could still turn what has been a mixed season for Mahindra so far into a fairly satisfying one given the advantage of some of the bigger squads.

The top honours were reserved for Formula E’s first ever multiple race winner Sebastien Buemi from the e.dams Renault team.

The second win for the Swiss driver was the third of the season for e.dams who lead the team championship standings ahead of Audi Sport ABT.

Buemi’s win has moved him to just ten points behind drivers’ championship leader Lucas Di Grassi, who is just four points ahead of Nelson Piquet Jr.

ALMOST ANYONE’S RACE

Six different winners in seven races so far, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the fledgling championship that has much to offer in the future should the cars get faster and their range increases. It is something that is almost certain to happen as key technical areas of the single-make Formula E car will be allowed to be developed individually by teams over the coming seasons.

Amid the current state of unpredictability it is clear that e.dams Renault and Audi Sport ABT are the teams to beat at the moment.

Opening up the championship to development by the teams could lead to the current balancing act of more established championships where regulators are forced to choose between total domination by a few and a level playing field.

Until such a dilemma arises, just enjoy the hectic racing and the slow development of a new form of racing.