ePrix de Paris: Circuit overview and challenges

Paris reconnects this Saturday with its glorious past of automobile racing. Although the capital is notably the headquarters of the FIA (Place de la Concorde), this Saturday, April 23rd, will mark the end of more than half a century of drought. Indeed, the very last officially labeled Paris Grand Prix took place in 1951. In the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, Italian Giuseppe Farina, Formula 1 World Champion in 1950, triumphed for the Maserati brand. Since then, Parisian motorsport fans have had to settle for events like the Trophée Andros or the Race of Champions, held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

« 200 an hour in Paris »

Jean Graton, (the famous author of Michel Vaillant) had imagined it, and Formula E made it happen: organizing a single-seater race in the very heart of Paris. For the occasion, a 1.920-kilometer circuit was mapped out, the shortest of all the Formula E circuits used so far. The 18 drivers will complete 45 laps around the Hôtel National des Invalides, built at the initiative of King Louis XIV in 1670.

History will contemplate the actors of Formula E. After a start deemed along the Boulevard des Invalides, the 18 drivers will plunge into a first right turn before rounding the Place Vauban, which faces Napoleon’s tomb.

This section will certainly be difficult since it ends with a new hairpin turn to the left. The rest of the circuit includes a main straight between turns 7 and 8, which could be the main overtaking opportunity. Car grip will then be a crucial factor between the long curve from turn 11 to turn 13, which will also mark the entrance to the pit lane. Finally, the drivers will reach the finish via a fast right-hand curve.

Like his fellow racers, Loic Duval has already familiarized himself with the circuit both in reality and on a simulator. According to the Dragon Racing team driver, the circuit seems quite fast in places, with medium and high-speed corners. Some areas appear tricky with very tight turns, so finding a good balance between the fast sections and the slow corners will be essential, making the race unique. It seems there are two long straights and many overtaking opportunities that will allow for a real battle between drivers; it seems quite promising to me.

However, one point sparked debate this week: to make the route passable, the organization temporarily paved over the famous Haussmann cobblestones in the area, which provoked the ire of environmentalists. Regarding this, the Paris ecological group expressed being very shocked “to discover the streets of the Invalides district covered in asphalt.” According to them, the fumes from these works would be “very toxic” and “contrary to the ecological spirit.”

Whatever the controversy, this Paris ePrix will indeed take place. In this prime setting, a fierce battle is shaping up at the top of the overall standings.

While waiting for the first runs, Jean-Eric Vergne, a local of the stage, had the privilege of being the first to drive on the Parisian asphalt (cobbled)!

The situation in the drivers’ and constructors’ championship: towards a double Franco-German duel

Among the drivers, Lucas di Grassi’s victory in Long Beach was decisive: the Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport team member has taken the lead in the drivers’ championship from Sébastien Buemi. With only four races remaining, just one point separates the two drivers. Does this mean that the Brazilian should primarily focus on his Swiss rival?

The winner of the last ePrix in Long Beach dismisses this trend with a wave of the hand:

« Although this start to the season is very convincing, I take the races one at a time: there are so many points still up for grabs! I’m not thinking about the Championship battle yet. »

In any case, di Grassi will have to be wary of the consistency of the Renault e.Dams team. Despite a difficult last weekend in Long Beach, Sébastien Buemi has always scored points in the last 12 races.

Behind the two protagonists, however, we must not forget the outsiders: the Dragon Racing and DS Virgin Racing teams can also have high hopes, with Sam Bird and Jérôme d’Ambrosio, respectively. A good weekend, combined with misfortunes for their opponents, could allow them to make a significant move up in the standings.

At the manufacturers, the situation seems similar: Renault e.Dams and Team Abt seem well-positioned for the title. However, one must not forget Team Dragon Racing. Besides Jérôme d’Ambrosio, who won on a green light in Mexico, Loic Duval is also a strong contender for victory. Let’s not forget Stéphane Sarrazin, second at the last meeting. Like Sébastien Buemi, the experienced Venturi driver has “scored” at every ePrix of the 2015-2016 season!

But more than anywhere else, everything remains possible in Formula E, and surprises could emerge this Parisian weekend: Formula E is still awaiting the first “back-to-back” in the discipline. Indeed, no driver has ever managed to win two consecutive ePrix.

The predictions are therefore very open for this Paris ePrix!