Pikachu parade at the Seoul E-Prix

[12.08. | 18:30] Formula E is known for regularly adapting its supporting program to local interests and preferences, especially with the younger generation in mind. This is also the case in Seoul: Pokemon Korea is represented at the event – with a parade of giant Pikachus, its own fan stores, “Pokemon Go!” activations and many photo opportunities.

“Jeandre” Reunion

[12.08. | 18:15] Formula E fans have been waiting a long time for this, and now the “bromance dream team” is finally back: Jean-Eric Vergne and Andre Lotterer, former teammates at Techeetah, recorded a joint episode of the TAG Heuer podcast “On the Edge” at the London E-Prix. 42 minutes long, the episode features the two friends talking about moments that shaped them, shared passions and how their friendship has changed their approach to racing. Our conclusion: absolutely recommended listening!

“Thank You Mercedes”

[12.08. | 18:00] World championship leader Stoffel Vandoorne will compete in the – Season finale with a special helmet design: Instead of his yellow headgear, the Belgian will wear a white and black helmet on the Mercedes factory team’s final Formula E weekend. The words “Thank you Mercedes” will be emblazoned in large letters on the top.

Simona de Silvestro again Porsche reserve driver

[12.08. | 17:30] In South Korea, Switzerland’s Simona de Silvestro is once again on the grid as Porsche’s third driver. She shares this role this – Season with her compatriot Neel Jani. Should Andre Lotterer or Pascal Wehrlein still drop out at short notice, de Silvestro may take the wheel of the Porsche 99X Electric with the redesigned livery.

“Formula E boys” with calls to Otmar Szafnauer

[12.08. | 17:30] The excitement in the motorsport world last week was the contract farce surrounding Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri: Following the announcement of Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin, the Australian was presented by Alpine as a regular driver for the 2023 Formula 1 – Season in a cloak-and-dagger operation, but contradicted this account on social media: the announcement had been made without his consent, and he would not be driving for Alpine in 2023.

Some Formula E drivers took advantage of the situation to put themselves in the running for the F1 cockpit. “I had a lot of calls from all kinds of people,” Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer told ‘Reuters’ news agency this week. “Some of the guys from the junior formulas, some of the Formula E guys. Maybe eight or 10.”

Lucas di Grassi jumps on “Piastri bandwagon” with tweet

[12.08. | 17:00] Lucas di Grassi has used the announcement of his move to Mahindra to post a tweet similar to Oscar Piastri’s – but with the message exactly reversed.

“As far as I know, with my agreement, Mahindra FE issued a press release late this afternoon that I will be driving for them next year. This is not wrong and I have signed a contract with Mahindra for a few years. I won’t be in my living room next year.”

Addition to the Vergne family

[12.08. | 04:00] Fatherly joy for Formula E driver Jean-Eric Vergne! On August 3, his wife Fiorina Benveniste-Schuler Vergne gave birth to the couple’s first child – Leo Vergne. “I can’t tell you how special it feels,” the DS racer rejoiced in an Instagram post about the addition to the family. “Now I know there’s no way we can understand what moms go through.” Congratulations! By the way, Lucas di Grassi’s son is also named Leo.

“Dummy grid” in the stadium

[11.08. | 19:00] The track in South Korea has a special feature: Before the start, the vehicles first line up in a so-called dummy grid in the stadium section before driving around 1.5 kilometers to the starting line. It can be assumed that Formula E wants to combine the moments before the start with a stage show in this way: In the middle of the stadium is a large open-air stage where, in addition to various concerts over the weekend, the two award ceremonies after the races will also take place.

Short-term relocation of the attack zone

[11.08. | 18:30] Formula E has literally changed the positioning of the attack zone in the stadium at the last minute: Instead of being on the outside of turn 10, it is now on the inside between turns 11 and 12. In addition, the entrance and exit of the pit lane have been revised.

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