that don’t change” adds Gaillardot. “These are things like torque, weight and the centre of gravity. But with electric vehicles, we also had to consider some specific criteria like motor efficiency and losses in electric power transmission."
"Given that this is the first year of the new championship regulations, most teams and manufacturers will have very different architecture. In most motorsport series these differences diminish over time and as performance analysis finds the best solutions, so it will be interesting to see if this is the case in Formula E, too.”
“We’ve been able to apply our understanding of the series to development after working so closely with the team in its championship-winning season. What’s more, e.dams as a team has unrivalled experience on the racing side of things and is renowned for its proficiency in optimising single-seater performance. It is this marriage of all of these competencies from Renault and e.dams that has assisted in the evolution of the Z.E.15.”
Renault’s involvement with the team last has assisted in a smoother transition into the team’s second season. That said, while Renault e.Dams appeared to have a trouble-free pre-testing period, it wasn’t immune to the odd gremlin that had to be addressed.
“Whilst developing the car and powertrain, the Renault e.dams technical team had to identify and specify what is required to improve performance, as well as validate the various parts and components within the car. We did all of this through extensive dyno and track testing. And the work doesn’t stop there! Even during the official pre-season tests at Donington Park we found a few issues that needed to be resolved ahead of the first race, such as reliability.”
Well in Beijing we had trouble-free running, which meant that we were able to focus on race preparation and performance, but it’s important to remember that some of the other manufacturers are not far behind.”
Images: Richard Washbrooke Photography