Formula E News: Porsche 4-car assault for 2024
Porsche again heads into the 2024 Formula E season with two factory entries plus two customer car entries for Andretti Formula E.
After intensive preparation work with tests on the racetrack and in the simulator, the time has come to put the cards on the table at the season opener in the Mexican metropolis.
The race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez marks the start of a season with events in fascinating cities such as Berlin, London and São Paulo. New to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar are races in Tokyo, Shanghai and Misano.
After winning four races and fighting for the world championship title until the final round of last season, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team returns in 2024 with two of the Weissach-developed Porsche 99X Electric cars driven by the works drivers Pascal Wehrlein (#94) and António Félix da Costa (#13).
The Porsche customer team Andretti Formula E will also field a pair of Porsche 99X Electric. Last season, the American squad owned by the US motorsport legend Michael Andretti tapped the full potential of the package that Porsche provided: in the Porsche 99X Electric, Jake Dennis (UK) drove to title glory in the drivers’ world championship.
The defending champion, who laid the foundation for his 2023 triumph with victory in Mexico, has a new teammate: Norman Nato contests his first season in the Porsche 99X Electric.
Comments on the Mexico City E-Prix, Race 1
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E: “Following the latest tests, we’re heading to Mexico very well prepared, where we’re fielding four Porsche 99X Electric cars this coming season. In the recent weeks and months, we’ve worked particularly hard on our qualifying performance, which we, as the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, weren’t always totally satisfied with in season 9. I’m confident that we’ve made considerable progress in this area. Another focus of our preparation was the software optimization of the overall package. We’re entering season 10 with an almost unchanged squad and we’re expecting a balanced grid with very strong competitors, including our customer team Andretti Formula E. Porsche’s goal is to be competitive with all four Porsche 99X Electric cars right from the get-go, to win races and to fight for the world championship title right to the end.”
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94): “This race kicks off the season on a real high note. The track is spectacular and the fans create an electric atmosphere. Mexico has always been good for us. The conditions are tricky because the air is very thin at this altitude, which feels like double the effort. The downforce in fast corners and braking is also not quite as high. But our team is excellently placed for the season. We’ve used the preparation time intensively and improved in all areas. We had a very strong car in season 9 but didn’t always get everything right in qualifying. We have to do better this time. I’m certain that we’ll achieve this.”
António Félix da Costa, Porsche works driver (#13): “The competition in Formula E is getting tougher every year. I’ve been involved since the beginning and can imagine what awaits us this season. But we’ve also improved. I know the car and the team much better than I did in my first season with Porsche. I can’t wait to turn this experience into strong results. The calendar for season 10 is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to the races in Monaco and Tokyo, which are absolute highlights. São Paulo will certainly be another very special race. But first, it’s off to Mexico. Opening the season with a win would be ideal. That’s what we’re working towards.”
The racetrack
The opening round of season 10 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will be contested on a shortened 2,628-kilometre version of the Grand Prix circuit. The track, which was built in honor of the Mexican racing legends Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez, lies at an altitude of 2,285 meters, making it the highest on the Formula E calendar. The unique infield section running through the legendary Foro Sol baseball stadium is particularly spectacular. With a grandstand capacity of 40,000, the avid fans create a thrilling atmosphere.