After a two-month gap, Formula E returns this weekend with the Miami E-Prix, and Motorsport Week discusses all the big talking points.
Like Season 10, Season 11 has suffered another enforced break, this time through the cancellation of a planned E-Prix in Thailand, but excitement builds as FE changes its home in the USA.
Can Rowland continue rich vein of form?
Nissan’s Oliver Rowland always looked like a championship contender from the off in Brazil, and two wins and a podium later, he leads the Drivers’ standings.
The Nissan driver has been able to combine his outstanding form and the Japanese marque’s superb package to cement his advantage with a second place and a win last time out in Jeddah.
Early favourites Tag Heuer Porsche will be looking to overcome a difficult weekend in Saudi Arabia and get its season back on track, currently spearheaded by Antonio Felix da Costa.
The Portuguese admitted he and his team received a “kick in the butt” in Jeddah, but with the German outfit’s package still a strong one, and with da Costa having also recently competed on similar layout at the Daytona 24 Hours, betting against him would be foolish.
Will Barnard complete his ‘youngest-ever’ quadruple?
Taylor Barnard is already FE’s youngest-ever points-scorer, youngest-ever pole-sitter and youngest-ever podium-finisher. There is just one more record still elusive.
The British sensation has taken the all-electric championship by storm, and currently sits in second in the table, just behind Rowland – the man who mentored him in his karting days.
The omens look good for the NEOM McLaren driver: Bruce McLaren [albeit in a Cooper-Climax] won his first-ever Grand Prix – the 1959 United States GP – at Sebring, Florida; Lando Norris – driving a McLaren – won his first-ever Grand Prix in Miami.
Taylor Barnard – it’s over to you…
Will the longest track of Formula E Season 11 provide another chaotic peloton?
Whilst FE is this year boasting extra power and all-wheel drive in Attack Mode, there may be a lingering threat of a peloton style race, given the Homestead-Miami Speedway is the longest circuit on the calendar this year at 2.5 miles.
Attack Mode is at Turn 4, and the back straight – which incorporates the second half of the oval surrounding the infield, is punctuated by a temporary chicane to enable some regen braking.
The infield, similar to the Formula 1 Indianapolis circuit of yesteryear, is twisty as well as fast, which provides further opportunity for saving some energy as well as giving drivers an opportunity for overtaking.
Can Stellantis keep its momentum from Jeddah?
One big talking point from Jeddah was the significant improvement shown in the Stellantis powertrain, propelling DS Penske’s Max Guenther to victory in Race 1 and Maserati MSG Racing’s Jake Hughes to third in Race 2.
The almost-two miles of the configuration of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit caused Race 2 to be more focused on energy-saving, and if Miami promises something similar, then the Stellantis package must surely instil some confidence in both teams for another successful weekend.
The likelihood of a peloton will be news to Guenther’s ears, as he is to serve a five-place grid penalty for punting-off da Costa in Jeddah.
Will the big cat find its purr again?
Ever since Mitch Evans scored his brilliant back-to-front victory in São Paulo, Jaguar TCS Racing’s season has been, by its standards, a disaster.
Seventh in the Teams’ Championship, its second points finish of the campaign came via Nick Cassidy in Jeddah, more through his own usual sorcery – rather than the car – through the field in a peloton race in Jeddah.
From title challengers last year to now – Cassidy and Evans cut unhappy figures so far, but the long break has enabled the team to work on its shortcomings and get back to the front of the grid.
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