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“EV Geek” Sims calls Andretti testing “amazing”

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Self-declared EV geek Alexander Sims is in the process of completing a test for MS&AD Andretti, after working with the team on development since BMW became involved.

Asked how long he had been interested in Formula E, Sims said that – like new NIO signing Luca Filippi – he had been trying to be involved in the series for several years-

“Pretty much every season I’ve tried to speak to some teams to see if there’s a chance. I had an effective deal, in principle with Drayson in Season 1 back in the days when they were still a race team. Which all went tits up at the last minute – so that was a shame in terms of my personal point of view, in Formula E. But yeah I have a general interest in electric cars, I’ve driven one for the past five years as my road car.”

“In my personal life I’m a geek, I sit on EV forums and talk about electric cars in my day to day life, as well as being a racing driver so it sort of twins up my two interests in life, naturally I’ve been interested in Formula E. If this can go anywhere in terms of racing then that’d be awesome but to be honest up until now it’s been amazing to be involved in the testing and developing.”

Sims has been meeting his team-mates in the times – slightly faster than experienced Formula E driver Antonio Felix da Costa in yesterday’s afternoon session and ahead of Tom Blomqvist this morning. Although Andretti have not selected a driver for their second seat yet, only confirming da Costa, Sims is in strong contention for the position. Asked what he thought of the car this season, the Englishman was cautiously positive-

“The car’s evolved a little bit since last year when I drove it – there are small bits and bobs that the team have introduced, features for energy saving and also performance runs. So really yesterday and this morning have been just about getting to know the systems, used the procedures to get the tyres and brakes in the right operating temperatures and window.”

“In terms of from the last round of Season 3 to now, I wouldn’t say there’s been some insane step change. It’s just the last time I drove the car properly was the first half of season 3, so since then there’s certainly been some good improvements but, as with everybody. Everyone’s getting better, everyone’s making incremental improvements and it seems that there’s still some work to do.”

Sims departs testing this evening to compete in Petit Le Mans – Andretti are expected to announce their final driver lineup before the end of October.

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Image courtesy of Rajan Jangda

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