The fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E single-seater that will be used by all teams participating in the maiden 2014 Formula E season has successfully completed its very first track test.
The session took place at the Circuit La Ferte Gaucher in northern France, where a vehicle fitted with a 50 kW battery was driven by former Formula One driver Lucas di Grassi for 40 laps over two days. According to Formula E Holdings, the 50kw battery is only a "quarter of the maximum 200vkw power (270bhp equivalent) the final car will produce."
"It is a great feeling to be driving the Formula E car for the first time," said Di Grassi. "I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car - even with just a quarter of the power it has quite a lot of grip and the electric motor produces huge torque."
The SRT_01E has been designed and built by Spark Racing Technology together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers in motorsport. The chassis has been developed by Dallara, with McLaren Electronics Systems providing the electric motor, gearbox and electronics, Williams Advanced Engineering the batteries, Renault the overall systems integration and Michelin the tires.
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