“Inside E” podcast: Suspension of the 2019/2020 Formula E season, and appraisal of the season so far

Stuttgart. The 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship has been officially suspended since 13^th March 2020. In the latest “Inside E” podcast, Carlo Wiggers, Director Team Management & Business Relations Porsche Motorsport, and Pascal Zurlinden,Director Factory Motorsport, discuss how the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is dealing with this situation. They also look back at the races that have already taken place and give their take on the season so far.

“The spread of coronavirus is affecting everybody and goes way beyond motorsport,” says Wiggers. “The health of our employees and people all over the world takes top priority.” The sense of community and solidarity is important in these unpredictable times. Day-to-day business in the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach is naturally completely different to usual. “In line with the recommendations of the authorities, we have switched to home office – at least in those areas in which it is possible to work remotely. Workshop operations have been reduced to a minimum,” says Zurlinden.

The appraisal of the season so far – following races in Diriyah (SA), Santiago (CL), Mexico City (MX) and Marrakesh (MA) – is a positive one. “We set ourselves the goal of achieving podium results – and promptly finished runner-up in our very first race,” says Zurlinden. “Pole position at the Mexico City E-Prix was another highlight. We have proven that we have a competitive car in the Porsche 99X Electric.”

In light of the current situation, Wiggers sees opportunities, particularly in the field of Esports, to continue to be engaged in motorsport during the race-free period and to entertain fans in these difficult times. “The only way to stay true to our passion at present is virtual racing. We are experiencing a boom in this field,” he says.

The Porsche Formula E podcast is available in English and can be downloaded now in the Porsche Newsroom.