The ABB FIA Formula E Championship has confirmed the delay of its Gen2 EVO car alongside a number of cost-saving measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The series’ sixth season is currently under suspension as a result of the coronavirus, and during these unprecedented times, Formula E and the FIA have taken action to reduce financial strain on its 12-team grid.
As part of its plan to reduce costs, Formula E, the FIA, teams and manufacturers unanimously agreed to postpone the launch of the series’ Gen2 EVO facelift, with the evolved model of the Spark SRT05e delayed until the 2021/22 campaign.
Alongside this, it was also decided to extend the homologation period, with manufacturers now only able to change powertrain components once over the next two seasons.
This means manufacturers can continue to use present powertrains in Season 7, changing for Season 8 or alternatively, modify for the 2020/21 campaign and use the same powertrain for the subsequent competition.
“After discussion with manufacturers, the changes to the technical regulations have been made with the long-term financial stability of championship participants in mind,” read a statement issued by Formula E.
“Formula E and the FIA have taken a flexible and collaborative approach to decreasing spending, which will see car development costs cut by half over the next two seasons.”
Following the spread of COVID-19, Formula E have postponed five races in Sanya, Rome, Paris, Seoul and Jakarta, with the next race of the present season scheduled for June 21 in Berlin while both the New York City and London E-Prixs are also in doubt.
As part of the plans to reduce costs, Formula E, the FIA, the teams and manufacturers unanimously agreed to postpone the launch of the Gen2 EVO car until the 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Following an e-vote, the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) ratified the decision to extend the homologation period, with manufacturers only able to alter powertrain components once over the next two seasons.
Teams can either introduce a new car in season seven, for a two-year cycle, or continue to use existing technology for the next season before homologating a new car the year after for a single season.
After discussion with manufacturers, the changes to the technical regulations have been made with the long-term financial stability of championship participants in mind.
Formula E and the FIA have taken a flexible and collaborative approach to decreasing spending, which will see car development costs cut by half over the next two seasons.
In addition to supporting its immediate community, Formula E is committed to finding more ways to fight the global health crisis and help others affected by the spread of coronavirus.
“In these difficult times, adapting the cost structures in motorsport is a priority to ensure its sustainability,” said Jean Todt, President of the FIA when speaking of Formula E’s measures.
“I encouraged the decisions regarding the FIA Formula E Championship approved by the World Motor Sport Council in this regard, which are in line with the discussions currently underway for the other FIA disciplines.”
Formula E Founder and Chairman Alejandro Agag added: “During these challenging times, we have taken a flexible approach.
“Not only with the quick and sensible decision to temporarily suspend the season, but now by implementing cost measures to lower development costs for the teams.
“We listened to feedback from the teams and manufacturers and worked closely with the FIA to push back the launch of the Gen2 EVO and limit teams to a single homologation over the next two years.
“By doing so we have cut the projected car development costs in half. This was a necessary action to take to contain costs, given the health crisis and economic environment.”
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