Formula E fans to have say in race strategy

By Mike Pryson, Crain News Service

BEIJING (July 16, 2014) — It's no joke, and it's no video game, either — the all-electric Formula E racing series making its debut in September in China will have a “Fan Boost” system.

With the system fans can vote online before each race to determine which three fan favorites  will be allowed one 90-hp boost during the race.

The boost will increase the power of the electric car from 133 kilowatts (180 hp) to 200 kilowatts (270 hp). Voting is expected to close just before the start of each race.

To vote for your favorite Formula E driver—and who doesn't have a favorite Formula E driver?—head to the new Formula E website.

“As our first race draws closer, it's fantastic to see the new era of motorsport come to life. Next month, will see our first [public] test days where we already have 3,000 members of the public registered to come and see but also hear what we believe will be the future of motorsport,” said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag.

The Formula E Series will make its racing debut on Sept. 13 in Beijing.

This report appeared on the website of Autoweek magazine, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.