Spark Racing Technology has won the official tender submitted but the FIA to supply the season five chassis from 2018 onwards.
In 2013, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) officially appointed Spark Racing Technology as the car supplier for the Formula E Championship since the series’ first season. In 2016, the FIA put the chassis supply for season 5 (2018-2019) out to tender, which was once again won by Spark. The French manufacturer states that as successor to the SRT01, the new SRT05e (above) represents the ‘considerable progress’ being made in the world of electric racing.
Spark engineers took advantage of the four years of Formula E championship racing to the test, in order to increase the overall performance of this new car. Drawing heavily on the Roborace subseries, the new car gains a futuristic design, whilst beneath the skin the SRT05e is much more powerful.
Development of the new chassis will be a new challenge for Spark as from season five, Formula E’s cars must be able to complete an entire race distance on a single charge, rather than switch cars mid-race. Something Spark states will be accomplished by a more efficient aero design, lower weight and better efficiency in the drivetrain.
Further details of the chassis will be announced closer to the start of season five, a season in which several OEMs are mooted to be taking up full factory programs, with Audi and BMW increasing their partnerships with ABT and Andretti respectively, whilst Mercedes-AMG has also secured an option to enter the championship for the 2018-19 season.
