Ahead of next season’s Berlin E-Prix double-header, Formula E have announced that a new track layout will be used at the iconic Tempelhof Airport.
The German capital is the only city to have hosted an E-Prix in every Formula E campaign, dating back to the inaugural season in 2014. Last season’s Berlin event was perhaps the most exhilarating of the lot, with the ABT CUPRA Formula E Team having claimed a famous 1-2 in qualifying ahead of the second race.
Race 1 in Berlin featured a staggering 190 overtakes, 53 lead changes and had eight different leaders, smashing records at the Tempelhof Airport Circuit. Despite the excitement of the season nine Berlin round, it was decided that the layout needs a refresh.
As a result, a new 15-turn circuit has been devised, at a length of 2.585 km. The new layout is set to see significantly higher top speeds and has been described as being more “technical” than the previous design, according to Formula E Sporting Director, Claudia Denni.
“In the history of Formula E, the Berlin E-Prix and its iconic location at Tempelhof Airport has always been a great and firm asset to our championship,” said Denni.
“The new layout for Season 10 will create the right conditions for an even more thrilling race, with a faster, technical track and potential for higher top speeds.
“As always, on the sporting event preparation and delivery, Formula E will continue to be supported by the DMSB and the professional sporting club ADAC, which we take the opportunity to thank for their loyalty and affection to our electric series.”
The 2024 Berlin double-header has been met with some frustration, as it clashes with the World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Because of the clash, several drivers could be forced to miss the first race in the iconic city.
For the drivers who are likely to compete in only the second Berlin race, having to learn a new layout could make the task of competing in both the WEC and Formula E on the weekend of May 11/12, 2024, that much more difficult.
Nevertheless, Formula E are delighted to reveal the new design and announce that there will be new grandstands for the fans, as well as better viewing opportunities.
“The new Berlin Tempelhof layout retains all the soul of the old circuit, while presenting new challenges for drivers and teams – putting skill behind the wheel as well as efficiency and energy consumption truly to the test,” said Formula E’s Head of Sporting Matters, Pablo Martino.
“The combination of fast, medium and slow-speed corners will give rise to a number of different set-up choices, handing the advantage to different drivers in different parts of the lap, while two major overtaking zones mean exciting races are guaranteed!”
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