Whilst Formula 1 blasts round Shanghai on Sunday the day before will see the streets of Rome filled with tyre squeals and electronic whirrs as Formula E comes to Europe and makes its debut at the fabled Italian capital. The circuit in question is the second longest of the year and apparently goes past some major landmarks.
I can't say it looks especially interesting as it's full of the usual 90 degree corners but you never know about a circuit until its been raced on.
If we get the same type of race we've had so far this season then raced on it certainly will be. I dismissed Jean Eric Vergne as a title contender very early on so obviously he is now significantly in front in the championship to make me look like a fool. He and Teechetah have really exceeded expectations this season, especially surprising as they are a Renault customer team. The actual Renault team seem to be just tootling along until the end of the year where they hand over their place in the franchise to sister company Nissan. Nico Prost might as well stop coming to the races and Buemi's comeback came to an abrupt holt last time out. Vergnes real contenders are Sam Bird in the Virgin and Felixstowe Rosenqvist in the Mahindra who both need to get back on form. Bird is having his usual mid season lull which he really needs to kick out of as the championship is really there for the taking this year. Rosenqvist has less experience that the other two but a whole lot of talent. He really needs to get on with it though.
All of them will have to contend with the Audi's and the Jags though. Audi are out to prove a point after a disastrous start to their life in Formula E. I can't see them winning either title this year but it would not surprise me to see Di Grassi and Audi dominate the European leg of the Formula E season. Jaguar too are looking strong and are keen to prove a point, both Evans and Piquet are on top form this year and you would hope they at least pushed on to the podium this time out.
Then of course there is the wildcard factor. Every race someone in the midfield pack pushes themselves to the front unexpectedly. One of the things I love About Formula E. My tip this time out? Antonio Felix Da Costa is due a good race.
In the UK the coverage has been once again buried on the Spike Channel. 10:45 for quali and 14:30 for race. Its also on Euro Sport, BT sport and shown live on the website.
I can't say it looks especially interesting as it's full of the usual 90 degree corners but you never know about a circuit until its been raced on.
If we get the same type of race we've had so far this season then raced on it certainly will be. I dismissed Jean Eric Vergne as a title contender very early on so obviously he is now significantly in front in the championship to make me look like a fool. He and Teechetah have really exceeded expectations this season, especially surprising as they are a Renault customer team. The actual Renault team seem to be just tootling along until the end of the year where they hand over their place in the franchise to sister company Nissan. Nico Prost might as well stop coming to the races and Buemi's comeback came to an abrupt holt last time out. Vergnes real contenders are Sam Bird in the Virgin and Felixstowe Rosenqvist in the Mahindra who both need to get back on form. Bird is having his usual mid season lull which he really needs to kick out of as the championship is really there for the taking this year. Rosenqvist has less experience that the other two but a whole lot of talent. He really needs to get on with it though.
All of them will have to contend with the Audi's and the Jags though. Audi are out to prove a point after a disastrous start to their life in Formula E. I can't see them winning either title this year but it would not surprise me to see Di Grassi and Audi dominate the European leg of the Formula E season. Jaguar too are looking strong and are keen to prove a point, both Evans and Piquet are on top form this year and you would hope they at least pushed on to the podium this time out.
Then of course there is the wildcard factor. Every race someone in the midfield pack pushes themselves to the front unexpectedly. One of the things I love About Formula E. My tip this time out? Antonio Felix Da Costa is due a good race.
In the UK the coverage has been once again buried on the Spike Channel. 10:45 for quali and 14:30 for race. Its also on Euro Sport, BT sport and shown live on the website.