Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler Headed for Paris E-Prix in Good Shape

On its European tour, the 2017/2018 ABB FIA Formula E Championship is stopping in France: On April 28, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler with Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt will be battling for points and trophies in the streets of Paris.

Formula E season four is entering its crucial stage. The eighth of a total of twelve races will be held in Paris next weekend. The French capital is not playing host to an event of the innovative electric racing series for the first time – the drivers, in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, previously fought gripping duels on the 1.92-kilometer Circuit des Invalides surrounding the historic Dôme des Invalides.

Following a difficult start to the 2017/2018 season, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler found its old strength again, the team’s tally now reflecting a victory for the German Daniel Abt and two second places for title defender Lucas di Grassi who has particularly fond memories of Paris where the Brazilian was victorious two years ago.

Due to its high population density and traffic volume, the metropolis of Paris is especially in focus of mobility of tomorrow. Paris also was the place where the participants of the 21st UN Climate Conference agreed on pioneering projects for climate protection including a drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve these ambitious aims, for instance, major changes in terms of future propulsion systems heading in the direction of electric drives are necessary. Therefore, Paris is an ideal venue for a Formula E race which is making a contribution to a clean environment today with its “green” concept and helps pave the way toward climate-neutral mobility of tomorrow.

Suspense galore guaranteed

Twelve races at ten events on five continents – the calendar of the innovative Formula E electric racing series is as extensive this season as never before. Three locations – Rome, Santiago de Chile and Zurich – are hosting Formula E races for the first time. The schedule at each event is tight: free practice, qualifying and the race(s) take place within the space of just a few hours.

Since the 2014/2015 inaugural Formula E season, Schaeffler, with its commitment in Formula E, has been emphasizing its position as a pioneer in electric mobility on the race track as well. Ever since the technical regulations were opened up for the second season, 2015/2016, specialists from Schaeffler have been responsible for the development of the powertrain in the team’s race car. The current model, the Audi e-tron FE04, includes technology “made by Schaeffler” as well. Together with Audi, engineers from the technology group developed the key component of the vehicle: the motor-generator unit.