If, somehow, you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard of Formula E – well, let’s just say that you’ve been missing out. Feeling an overwhelming sense of FOMO yet?
Yes, it’s governed by the FIA and yes, it’s a formula that involves a set of stringent restrictions but, as the "E" in its name suggests it's all-electric. And, somehow, some way, this resulted in a racing series so exciting that its turbocharged-hybrid counterpart (you know what we're talking about, right?) can't quite keep up on the race-for-race excito meter. Heck, we’ve seen impossible overtakes around Monaco!
In any case, while we can ramble on about all there’s to like about this Formula – perhaps just peek at some highlights on YouTube – the point we’re trying to make is that there’s some great news in the pipeline: the ABB Formula E World Championship is coming to South Africa and more specifically, Cape Town in 2022.
While, naturally, this is an extremely welcome economic boost, it also means that after years of let’s call it “international motorsport disinterest” from organisers this is just the sort of validation and positive publicity we need to supplement SA’s successful stint of hosting the 9-Hours of Kyalami.
And speaking of which, the Cape Town leg will likely also follow the street circuit formula (instead of a traditional circuit) that has become the mainstay of the Formula E championship. Reason being that, like electric cars, these e-Racers also make use of 'regen' braking to supplement performance and what better than going wheel-to-wheel in close quarters.
The 2022 ABB Formula E World Championship will kick off on 29 January in Saudi Arabia, followed by Mexico and then head to our shores on the 26th of February. Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and the USA will also feature on next year’s calendar.