FIA Formula E Moscow ePrix – 6 June
The pen-ultimate track (but not race) of the first season of Formula E takes place on Moscow streets. The video above gives a good impression of what the course might look like – vaguely – as it was taken during an early demonstration before Formula E even had a schedule. The championship is currently led by Nelson Piquet Jr. but Lucas di Grassi will want to make up for his excluded win at the last race in Germany. However, the ever present threat from the e.dams-Renault team, who are the leading team by more than 60 points, will prove difficult to shake off. The Moscow ePrix is said to favour e.dams-Renault drivers Sébastien Buemi and Nico Prost’s racing style so they may be the ones to watch. Speaking of his performance in the DHL Berlin ePrix, Buemi said,
“I need to win in Russia. We were far from the pace here after being under control in Monaco, but I think when we get to Moscow there will be a return to normality. I think the performance here was related to the circuit, maybe because of the concrete surface.”
How to watch
ITV4 & ITVHD will show full coverage of the race live at 3pm-5pm
Isle of Mann TT Zero Challenge – 10 June
Although still limited to only one lap, the TT Zero is the premiere competition for electric motorbikes. The +37 mile circuit encompasses one of the world’s most exhilarating and dangerous road races, complete with curbs and stone walls, which have sadly been the demise of many a racer. Legendary TT competitor, John McGuinness, will once again be riding the Mugen Motorsports electric racing bike and likely to try to beat his own 2014 lap record, reaching an average speed of 117.366 mph. That record bests the current sidecar record and is close to the 650cc Supertwin single lap record too – a clear sign of how electric motorbikes have progressed exponentially over the course of a mere five years since the event was introduced into the TT race schedule. Furthermore, Kingston University’s record holding +160 mph capable electric bike will be competing against big budgets of Honda Mugen and MotoCzysz. If ever there was an underdog to support, Kingston is it. Their best result came in 2011, placing third overall. However, their bike has not yet managed to breach the 100 mph average/lap at the TT, so they have some catching up to do. A newcomer to the race is Victory motorcycles, who are essentially a rebranded Brammo and are certainly one to watch too.
How to watch
On ITV4. Race highlights and reviews will be shown at 9pm from the 1st-13th June showing various stages and events that take place on each of those days respectively. The TT Zero takes place on the 10th, so will likely be included in the SuperSport TT Race Highlights 2 at 9pm on the same day. The TT review program will be shown at 6pm on the 15th for part 1 and 7pm for part 2. Check ITV4’s website for more details.
Le Mans World Endurance Championship – 13-14 June
Like hybrids? The World Endurance Championship is the competition for you. The annual pilgrimage to Le Mans begins on a [usually] sunny weekend in June and will see millions of race fans tune in to see a spectacle like no other. The French circuit is the holy grail of the series and the one all competitors strive to win above all else. Toyota won the overall championship last year, but failed to capitalise on their cars’ obvious prowess at Le Mans. This year, their car has underperformed against the tyranny of Audi’s ever-reliable diesel hybrids. Similarly, sister VAG member Porsche have upped their game since last year and will be striving to best their German friends at their own game. Their car has performed well in the first few rounds of the WEC but anything can happen at Le Mans over a full 24 hours. Finally, Nissan are the pioneering but potentially risky entrant with their front wheel petrol powered car that benefits from part time four wheel drive using a massive 1MW flywheel at the rear. This should help it surge out of corners with gusto, but Nissan were unable to attend the first few races of the WEC 2015 since the car was not ready. This means it remains a racing unknown, although it is certain Nissan won’t want a repeat of their 2014 five lap wonder car, the ZEOD RC. Quite a few drivers in the WEC also race in Formula E, so expect to see familiar names including Buemi and di Grassi.
How to watch
The full race will be shown online at http://www.lemans-tv.com/ TV coverage may be on Eurosport live, but the schedule is not yet available. The official twitter feed will also be a good place to check up on race proceedings @24hoursoflemans. Lastly, Radio Le Mans provides online commentary here: http://radiolemans.com/
93rd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – 28 June
https://youtu.be/ncMzblRT1n8
2014 saw electric racers reach new speeds by breaking the 10 minute barrier to get to the top of the 12 mile track. However, 2013’s Peugeot and Sebastien Loeb combination will prove hard to beat for anyone with any sanity as the 8:13.878 time has proved hard for anyone to get anywhere close to. The answer, it seems, is more power and Drive eO plus Rimac think they have the answer with their 1MW electric powered racers. Shocking (literally) amounts of power will propel these cars up the hill with such force that both aim to take the top spot from petrol power once and for all. Whereas other events don’t necessarily favour electric power, Pikes Peak is fast proving that hill climbs up mountains are where electric drive is [almost] unbeatable. A lack of atmosphere at high altitude makes petrol engines choke and lose power, whereas electric doesn’t suffer the same consequence and the low-down torque provides stomach churning performance.
How to watch
Unfortunately, the only way to see the race live is if you’re actually at the event. However, post race interviews, full runs on competitors who finish, and three still cameras that are positioned at various spots along the course can be found on http://www.ppihc.com/.
