On Saturday April 14, for the first time in Rome and on Italian soil, the fourth race of the International Formula E Championship will be held. Forget the smells and smog of the racing formula we are all used to, this race is about a cleaner planet and a population more respectful of the environment and the global society it lives in. Ready, steady….
10 teams, 20 drivers and 4 cars per team will be battling it out on board 100% electric racing cars along a street circuit in Rome’s EUR district historically a symbol of Future and Progress. The circuit will count some 21 turns over 2,8 kilometres, one of the longest in the season, and 33 laps.
The start line of the first Rome ePrix, will be on Via Cristoforo Colombo then heading towards the now famous Rome Convention Center and the historical Palazzo dei Congressi the cars will pass the area of the Marconi Obelisc. Colombo, Marconi…heralded names evoking the search for innovation, very much like the idea behind the Formula E. The real challenge which confronts the Formula E project, is in fact new sustainable mobility, that is, making use of new technology and electric vehicles to provide silent transport at next to zero impact for the environment.
The first edition dates back to 2015, when the FIA (Italian Automobile Federation) decided to stage a competition to be held solely on street circuits and that would promote these new forms of transport and a more egalitarian approach to the sport. Why “egalitarian” we here you ask… because all the cars on the track have the same engine, batteries, chassis and electronics and there are no teams better than others because the basic components of the single seaters are identical. The only aspect that will make a difference will be the drivers’ ability and a healthy spirit of team-work
The race will have 3 phases:
1 – Untimed laps to allow the drivers to gain confidence on the circuit.
2 – Qualifying laps, with the stop watch on hand, to determine Pole positions of the fastest 5 drivers.
3 – Finally the race, lasting around 45 minutes including an obligatory pit-stop for a quick car exchange for one with a fresh battery.
This will be a unique opportunity for the Capital, around 30,000 people are expected to visit from the world- over, to admire these fast but clean and silent cars. Various stalls hosting theme events will be set-up for the occasion, the E-Village, ticket holders will also have free access to the amusement park to enjoy with their children.
The project falls amongst a number of initiatives sponsored by The City Of Rome to enhance and develop sustainable electric transport within the City. Something not just representing technical innovation but also a change of the way of life, of vehicles and services, of ways to do business and to manage the “common assets” represented by urban space and both physical and digital infrastructures.
Environment, innovation and entertainment encompass the project’s mission and coincide perfectly with the basis upon which Buzz4tours was first launched. That is why Buzz4tours was chosen by one of the more prominent racing teams, Ds Virgin Racing to organize a fun treasure hunt within the fabulous Roman setting. On April 12, the two DS Virgin Drivers, Sam Bird and Alex Lynn, will pilot two Buzz buggies around the narrow streets of Rome in search of a hidden treasure, just where only Buzz may manage to squeeze by. Needless to say the fastest, and with the most clues solved, wins.
Past and future art and history classics, entertainment will mix in the name of speed and sustainability. One more reason to visit the Eternal City on board Buzz the ecological, innovative and exceptional fun buggie.
