Formula E: Gen4 gives former F1 mechanics goosebumps & Modlinger backs new sprint format

"Florian, this car is incredible." Porsche’s Florian Modlinger says the Gen4 car left mechanics with Formula 1 experience reporting goosebumps after their first test. He believes Formula E’s new sprint format can showcase its performance and help win over sceptical motorsport fans.

Speaking to e-Formula.news, Modlinger described the reaction of mechanics involved in developing the car who have previously worked in Formula 1 or LMP1. After the first test, they came to him and said: "Florian, this car is incredible." The mechanics also reported getting goosebumps.

Some of those employees had previously been critical of Formula E, even within the organisation, Modlinger explained. Their enthusiasm reinforces his belief that the Gen4 car could also win over sceptical motorsport fans. "The speed is simply impressive and also gets fans excited who may previously have been very sceptical about Formula E."

Modlinger: "The technical product certainly won’t be the issue"

For Modlinger, the Gen4 car provides the technical foundations. For Formula E to fulfil its potential, the sporting and commercial framework, as well as the circuits, must also be right. "The sporting side has to work, the commercial side has to work, and the choice of circuits has to work. There will also have to be changes at circuits where we have already raced to make them suitable for the Gen4 car."

At weekends featuring two races, the first day is set to host the performance-focused "E-Prix Unleashed", a sprint race lasting around 30 minutes. The second day, along with events featuring just one race, will retain the traditional "E-Prix" format focused on energy management.

Modlinger compares the significance of the change to the introduction of the current qualifying system. "In the past, when we had those qualifying groups, a lot came down to chance and what the track conditions were like at any given moment. That was replaced by a fair qualifying format that is extremely exciting, especially in the duels: driver and car really operate at the limit to extract those final thousandths of a second."

Sprint format aims to strengthen Formula E’s credibility

"This sprint format will really show what the cars can do almost flat-out as a combination of driver and machine," Modlinger explained. He sees that as an important contribution to Formula E’s credibility.

"There are many fans in the racing world who are used to conventional racing, although other series also involve saving tyres and fuel," he pointed out. "But energy management has always been very prominent and dominant in Formula E, and it is part of Formula E. I think it is a very good compromise to retain that DNA and energy management on one day, while clearly showing and proving what the car can do almost flat-out in a conventional sprint format on the other day of a double-header."