Formula E: Mahindra’s British duo gearing up for London E-Prix
Ahead of Formula E’s return to London, EV Powered spoke to Mahindra Racings’ Alex Lynn and Alex Sims about the upcoming weekend.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship makes its long-awaited return to London this weekend, five years after the series last took over the capital.
Seven British drivers will be battling it out around London’s famous Docklands in Rounds 12 and 13, including British pair Alex Lynn and Alexander Sims of Mahindra Racing.
Speaking exclusively to EV Powered, the duo said they are really looking forward to the prospect of racing on home soil in front of fans.
“I’m excited,” Lynn said. “I think it’s a cool circuit, it’s a great location and to be in our home city and as well home country is really special for me personally.
“I think it’s super special to have support, too. That’s what sport is all about – having fans and enjoying it.”
Sims added: “It’s cool to be here in London. It was a bit surreal driving down the M11 and onto the North Circular and then thinking we’re pretty close to where we will be racing. I’ve actually never raced in London before – the closest I’ve got is Brands Hatch!”
The circuit for the London E-Prix is truly one of a kind, with part of the track taking place inside the ExCel Arena, a first for international motorsport. Looking ahead to the races, Lynn and Sims agreed that the nature of the circuit should make for a crazy weekend of racing.
Sims said: “It is a really unique racetrack – half inside and half outside – which will be interesting if the rain that is forecast at the weekend arrives. The track surface indoors will be a completely different surface to what the tyres have had to work with before so there’s a lot of uncertainty – no one really knows what this will do to the car balance through these corners so there could be a lot of unpredictability and excitement.”
That excitement will be raised with the addition of fans in the crowds, with a small number of spectators allowed in to watch the action unfold on the streets of the capital.
With the majority of the season taking place behind closed, fans have been in attendance for the last few weekends and, according to Sims, it will have a massive impact on all the drivers.
“Having fans at a race is really lovely for us,” he said. “I remember in Mexico where it was the first time we had fans this season and that was a great experience; to hear the enthusiasm and passion in the stands. So, to have some of that, even if it’s in a smaller quantity, will be really nice.”
Commenting on what the fans can expect from the weekend, Lynn said: “They can expect a typical Formula E event, which is usually pretty unpredictable, pretty crazy and hopefully and exciting race.”
It has been a mixed season for Mahindra Racing so far, with Sims and Lynn lingering towards the bottom of the drivers’ standings. However, having picked up some points over the last few rounds, the pair are hoping to sign the season off in style.
“it’s been ok,” Lynn said, reflecting on the season. “It’s been Mahindra’s most successful season in the past couple of years, but certainly the whole championship has stepped up its game. So even though we have made huge strides forward so has everyone else. In the last four rounds if we can make a difference that will be really special.”
Sims added: “As with every form of racing I’ve done in my career there are always a number of challenges that get thrown up, but we’ve also had some strong results, specifically my P2 in Rome. Valencia was of course really unfortunate when were on course for a podium but lost out due to the energy situation that affected everyone. I’m happy with how the team is working together and I feel like I’ve gelled with the guys and I really enjoy my day’s work.”
