‘Formulino E’ unveiled as future junior electric series

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A new electric single-seater for junior drivers has been revealed today, with the car named ‘Formulino E’.

The series is aimed at racing schools and budding motorsport teams, with Formula E chassis manufacturer Dallara partnering with Punch Powertrain to build the first vehicle, although Formula E is not involved.

The car, which completed its first laps at the Zolder circuit in Belgium, uses a motor that runs between 120kW and 200kW of energy and can reach a top speed of 120mph.

Formulino E chairman Thierry Deflandre, who used to be the CEO of Zolder, aims for the new series to act as support to the FIA Formula E Championship or Electric GT and laid out the future plans of the junior category.

“We aim to realise 20 cars this year. After that we can scale up production,” he told Motorsport.com.

“We are in negotiation to initiate the first race already this year and that would be part of our learning curve.”

Motorsport.com also reports that the car is able to achieve 15 minutes of continuous driving, the equivalent of seven or eight laps around Zolder, and houses a five-speed gearbox with a driverless weight of 545kg.

Also speaking to Motorsport.com, Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi threw his support behind the new series and sees it as a potential stepping stone for young drivers.

“It’s very good. To have a school or base car is very important. The best way to prepare [at the moment] is to go through the normal route – F3, F2, maybe DTM.

“As Formula E evolves and progress it’s natural the drivers will be prepared somewhere else. It’s very positive to hear it’s coming so early. It’s a good preparation, like F2 to F1, and it’ll be much cheaper to run and less complex.

“If someone wants to prepare a driver, or a reserve driver wants to keep running, they can get up to speed and gain the knowledge. It’s a very positive move from the constructors.”

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Image courtesy of Formulino E

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