Felipe Drugovich awaits Formula E 'chess game' in huge competitive return

Felipe Drugovich awaits the intriguing Formula E "chess game" racing style in this weekend's Berlin E-Prix, in what will be his competitive single-seater world championship debut. 

Mahindra Racing has handed Drugovich his first competitive single-seater appearance since securing the 2022 Formula 2 title, due to Nyck de Vries competing in São Paulo. 

The Season 7 world champion is competing in the World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of São Paulo for Toyota, resulting in Mahindra requiring a replacement. 

Drugovich is no stranger to the FE paddock having participated in various rookie sessions, and is excited to finally race in the series.

When asked for his excitement ahead of his competitive single-seater world championship debut, Drugovich told RacingNews365: "Yeah, it feels really nice. 

"I think at least in the position I am in, I'm just hoping to get racing whenever I can. And it is a really good opportunity for me to get better racing. 

"So, it's something I've been waiting for, to get behind the wheel in a racing weekend in a Formula car, I would say. So, yeah, it's really nice."

Drugovich eager for return to 'perfection'

Since securing the F2 title, Drugovich has supported Aston Martin as its F1's reserve driver, whilst competing in various endurance races. 

However, what the Brazilian has really missed is racing single seaters, due to the factor of everything being done to his exact taste.

Discussing how much he missed racing single seaters, Drugovich said: "Yeah, I think that's the thing, endurance racing is super nice, it's something that I really enjoy.

"But at the same time, I missed a little bit having my own car and my own team. And it's not because it's bad or anything, but you need to make compromises all the time with the setup and with the seat and everything with endurance racing.

"And in Formula cars, I think you just get everything, you try to get everything to perfection. And that's something that I really look forward to."

FE is an intriguing series for stand-in drivers, with expectations being difficult to set due to the unique style of racing.

On if he has any targets for the Berlin double-header, Drugovich explained: "No, not really, to be fair, I think I have no idea what to expect.

"I've driven this car a few times, but racing is a whole different thing and just trying to go fast, and it's more of a chess game if I can say so.

"Yeah, I don't need to put pressure on or have targets. I think I just need to try to learn as much as I can throughout the weekend. Everything I learn, put it on track and try to make the best out of it, and obviously, try to enjoy it as much as I can."