Formula E turns on to the finish straight of season 8 with the London E-Prix on 30 and 31 July - marking the penultimate stop of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on its tour of the world’s metropolitan cities. The Docklands of East London set the historic backdrop for races 13 and 14 of the innovative electric racing series. The doubleheader event is contested on a spectacular racetrack at the ExCel Circuit on the Thames – with 22 drivers going head to head in gripping battles through the indoor exhibition hall and outside.

The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team fields two Porsche 99X Electric racers at the London E-Prix with Porsche works drivers André Lotterer (GER/No. 36) and Pascal Wehrlein (GER/No. 94). While the fortnightly rhythm poses a big challenge, Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E, says: “As always, we’re working in a systematic and meticulous way. Even though the schedule is tight, our preparations are going according to plan.”

In the drivers’ standings of the all-electric racing series, Pascal Wehrlein, winner of the Mexico City E-Prix, ranks ninth with 63 points. André Lotterer is tied for points in tenth place. With 126 points in the team standings, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team lies sixth.

Q&A on the London E-Prix

Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E
What insights do you take with you from New York to London? What are your goals?
“The positive things we’re taking away from New York are that we were competitive in both the qualifying and the race and that we have the pace to fight for top positions. Of course, it’s frustrating that due to some problems, we didn’t get one of our cars into the qualifying duels, and that André wasn’t able to convert his starting position into a podium finish or a win in the second race. Our goals are the same as at any other event: We want to fight for podium places.”

With the remaining season 8 races in London and Seoul, have you already been able to gather insights for season 9?
“On the operational side, we’re constantly developing, and the last races are also considered with regard to season 9. Of course, we have to take into account any changes to the weekend format in season 9 early enough.”

André Lotterer, Porsche works driver (#36)
In New York City you delivered a strong and impressive qualifying performance. What positives are you taking to London from the Big Apple?
“I qualified really well with P3. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to convert my excellent starting position into a better race result. Our race pace was good too, which makes us very confident for London. Basically, after the race weekend, we analyse everything and try to learn from it.”

Last year, you narrowly missed out on finishing on the podium with fourth in London. What’s possible this time?
“We had a decent pace in London and I hope we can fight for a top result again this time. In any case, we’ll work hard to achieve that. We have a good car and are highly motivated. Still, it’ll definitely be a tough weekend.”

Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94)
One of the most unusual tracks in Formula E awaits you in London. What’s it like for you to contest a race both indoors and outdoors?
“London is indeed one of the most interesting circuits on the calendar. It gets really exciting in the rain, when it’s dry inside and wet outside. It’s generally a slower circuit with lots of tight corners. You need a slightly different car setup. But, we’re ready for anything and we’ll hopefully have a successful weekend.”

In New York City you were in the leading group in the first race but didn’t finish in the points in the second. What makes you confident about London?
“The fact that we performed very well in qualifying and that we had the pace in the race. After all, I was able to make up nine positions in the second race from P20. All in all, it was a weekend where I could learn something.”

The circuit
The 2.141-kilometre ExCeL Circuit is unique with 22 turns and weaves its way both inside and outside East London’s exhibition centre on the Thames. The concrete floor of the hall was treated with a special substance to improve grip and protect the ground. The height difference between the indoor and outdoor areas was solved with ramps. For season 8, chicanes have been added between turns 10 and 13.

Live TV and Internet coverage
The worldwide broadcasting schedule of the Formula E event in London is available on: https://www.fiaformulae.com/watch/ways-to-watch.