Monaco E-Prix: New Track Design Unveiled

A new track layout for the seven-round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has been revealed.

The new circuit configuration spans 3.320km (2.062mi), featuring 19 turns, comprising the iconic corners around Casino Square, Mirabeau, the Grand Hotel Hairpin, La Rascasse, and Portier.

The Gen2 cars will also race through the tunnel for the very first time in May.

“I’m glad to see the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship back in the Principality. It is in the series’ DNA to compete on street circuits and Monaco is one of the most iconic tracks in the world. This discipline has its own identity, that is why, together with Formula E and the ACM [Automobile Club de Monaco], we’ve designed a bespoke layout which suits its particularities,” said FIA President Jean Todt.

The all-electric series ran in the Principality on three previous occasions, as the venue features in the Formula E calendar on a biennial basis.

The Monaco E-Prix was held for the first time in the 2015/2016 season on a street circuit spanning 1.765 km (1.097 mi).

The layout missed the hill, the Casino Square, the Grand Hotel Hairpin, the tunnel, and the chicane, featured in the iconic Monaco Grand Prix.

On that occasion, Sebastien Buemi took victory with the e.dams Renault Team, the Swiss driver, would go on to win the series championship the same year; he emerged victorious in the Principality a second time in 2017.

Double Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne won the race back in 2019 (Season 5) with DS Techeetah.

Oliver Rowland with Nissan e.dams crossed the line second, and Felipe Massa completed the podium in third place with Venturi.

Massa´s maiden Formula E podium – his best achievement in the series, also marked the first podium for the Monegasque team on home soil.

Furthermore, the seven-round of the 2020/2021 season will have a different kerb placement at Sainte Dévote and a change in the chicane layout at T11 on the harbor front on the exit of the tunnel.

The FIA homologated track promises to challenge teams and drivers as energy management will play a crucial role in the race.

“In many ways, this circuit is made for Formula E – it is a fast and narrow street circuit which will see plenty of opportunities for overtaking and will really test driver’s energy management with sharp inclines and high-speed sections,” explained Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, Alberto Longo.

Adding: “The FIA and the ACM are allowing us to race around corners steeped in motorsport tradition, and we are honored that Formula E will be creating its own history on May 8.”

Monaco’s health situation has recently improved, allowing the Government to relax the curfew in place from April 19.

“The health situation shows that the measures put in place have slowed the circulation of the virus. If the numbers are improving, we need to remain vigilant and cautious,” stated the Minister of State Pierre Dartout.

SEASON 7 STANDINGS

Jaguar Racing´s Sam Bird leads the driver´s championship with 43 points; he won the second round of the Diriyah E-Prix, held in February.

The first round of the Rome E-Prix saw the Briton taking the checkered flag in second place at the Eternal City.

Bird´s teammate Mitch Evans follows closely with 39 points, and Envision Virgin Racing´s Robin Frjns is third with 34 points.

The winner of the second round of the Rome E-Prix, Mercedes EQ Stoffel Vandoorne, stands in fourth place, separated by just one point with teammate and season opener winner Nyck de Vries, 33 and 32 points, respectively.

The World Championship is back on track next weekend at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, which will serve as host to the first all-electric race on Spanish soil.

ERN contacted the circuit management team, learning that the track layout, designed exclusively to welcome the series, will be revealed soon. 

The Valencia E-Prix – a doubleheader event, takes place on April 24-25.

The venue will be held behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Photo Credit: Formula E Media.