An electronic vote was put to all 11 Formula E team principals during the Sao Paolo E-Prix occasion this weekend to find out whether or not an FIA regulation that may forestall sure drivers from racing in Berlin may very well be bypassed.
The distinctive scenario comes as the primary of two Berlin Method E races, as a consequence of be held throughout the 11-12 Might, will conflict with the WEC’s Six Hours of Spa.
Seven drivers are operating twin campaigns this season and in concept it might have been attainable for these racing in Belgium on the Saturday to journey throughout to Germany to race within the all-electric championship on the Sunday.
Nevertheless, an FIA regulation signifies that the Berlin E-Prix double-header is taken into account a sole occasion regardless of two races being held, presently making it so groups can’t change drivers between the races except the choice was unanimously agreed by all 11 groups.
An announcement from the FIA forward of the vote learn: “Because the Berlin E-Prix is a contest comprised of two races as set out in Article 5.5, a change of driver after the top of the executive checks is just not authorised besides in case of pressure majeure and with the authorisation of the stewards in accordance with Articles 19.1 and 24.15.
“Subsequently, it’s essential to grant these drivers particular authorisation and the unanimous settlement of rivals is important.”
Sebastien Buemi, Envision Racing, Robin Frijns, Envision Racing
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Autosport understands that a minimum of one crew rejected the proposal, with seven of the 11 groups not fielding any drivers with WEC commitments.
The choice finally means these drivers who race at Spa won’t be permitted to additionally race in Berlin the following day.
The drivers this might apply to contains each Envision racers Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns, each DS Penske drivers Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara from Mahindra, in addition to Abt’s Nico Muller.
Each Vergne and Vandoorne confirmed they’d prioritise Method E over WEC within the occasion of the conflict, whereas it’s understood that Mortara can even decide to the Berlin double-header.
Though not confirmed, it’s believed Toyota WEC drivers Buemi and de Vries, in addition to BMW’s Frijns and Peugeot’s Muller, will prioritise the WEC which means they are going to be pressured to overlook each races in Germany.
Not one of the affected groups have but to formally announce which reserve drivers will take part within the Berlin E-Prix double-header.