https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/01/maserati-will-join-formula-es-electric-racing-series-in-2023/
My qustion: ....why??? BMW etc. left the series. For those -as mass production manufacterers- it would have made much more sense to be in. Can`t see why Maserati should join. But, heyyyy, they will know...
actually it’s a pretty good move. 1) returns Maserati to a high level of racing vs other manufacturers 2) E propulsion is being forced by Governments around the world, which gives the company a “woke” image 3) they’ll gain tech development knowledge from trying to be competitive 4) it’s a low budget cap series so it’s not going to strain the budget like going into F1 5) no one really watches Formula E so if it’s a disaster no one will notice 6) if it’s successful they can market the hell out of it as a leader in E technology
Sorry, but I do not agree for points 1, 2 (because Porsche has more experiance and they left E-racing!, so I think that image for Maserati comes a little..late), 6 (same reason as with point 2).
this is for 2023 season. While Audi, BMW already left and MB plans on leaving at the end of 22, …….“Nissan, Jaguar, Porsche, Mahindra, Stellantis-owned DS and China's Nio are the manufacturers so far signed up for 2023, when a $13 million cost cap will be in place. McLaren also have an option.”……. don’t be surprised if all 3 rejoin. The big attraction is the 13 million cost cap goes into effect. Then you begin to see why it’s a good move for Maserati where #5 and #6 apply. Would I personally watch FE, no. With Maserati involved, yes.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/maserati-f1-return-possible/?fbclid=IwAR1CQhxvz1-KqjrZ7nwUOjcEshgv24-Myj3lim26M1pk0B0xaNSoiVxlpP4 3 years experience of running FE series could go a long way with new 2026 F1 engine specs.
DS (aka Citroen; DS is now to Citroen what Lexus is to Toyota, or -in the US only- what Acura is to Honda: an upscale division) who have won the FE series twice with ace jean Eric Vergne, will share knowledge with Maserati on some items since they are in the same Stellantis group, but not everything will be shared. Still it gives them a good head start. Since the Trident is doing it let's support it: I might go see an FE race such as Rome to kill two birds with one stone as I have been all over Italy but have not yet in Rome apart of its airport when changing flights to Sicily or Bari. But if I go to an FE race I will have earphones and listen to Tipo 151 or 450S engine audio to compensate the noise void.
Looking forward to the shirts/jackets. I won’t watch this but I will be very interested in MC20 sports car racing efforts.
I have to say as much as I was dissapointed that Maserati decided that Formula E would be the route by which it re-entered motorsport, I do see some logic, the series will see some big updates next season, it ties in with the brands electrification, they already have part of the "automotive family" competing so could be a relatively safe way to build up some competition experience, thats not just the cars but probably more important the people and mangement. Still really would like to see the MC20 competing on track, idealy with factory backing but even as a privateer.
