Formula E Gen4 hailed as crucial 'game-changer'

Former Formula E driver Sam Bird has hailed the all-electric championship's upcoming Gen4 car as a "game-changer".

Formula E is currently approaching the midway stage of its 12th campaign, the final one featuring Gen3 Evo machinery.

For next season, the arrival of Gen4 will mark the start of Formula E's next regulatory cycle, with the car representing a significant step forward for the category.

While images and clips were released last November, the Gen4 car will officially be unveiled next Tuesday at the Circuit Paul Ricard to select media, at a strictly closed event not open to the public or non-invited media.

The FIA has conducted considerable testing of the Gen4 car, while manufacturers are also privately testing its machinery for next season.

Gen4 produces 600 kW of power, equivalent to 815+ hp, features permanent all-wheel drive, multiple downforce settings, and Bridgestone as its tyre supplier, with speeds of over 200 mph (321 km/h) possible.

For Formula E, it will represent a major step towards Formula 1, with projected lap times expected to fall between those of F1 and Formula 2.

Bird, who raced in 11 seasons of Formula E, views the Gen4 era as something that will take the series to the next level in terms of technology and popularity.

Asked what Formula E needs to do to go to the next level in terms of popularity, Bird said on Lucas Stewart's YouTube channel: "I think what Formula E can do is exactly what it's doing. 

"Growing slowly is important, because if it tries to grow too quickly, you can only do that by spending money. We need big manufacturers. The Gen3 car has been good, but the Gen4 car — I've just come back from testing it — is a beast.

"600 kW, all-wheel drive. It's equivalent to about 815+ hp. This thing will do well over 200 mph. It's a game-changer.

"And I think it's in the Gen4 era that we'll see a lot of fans really enjoying Formula E for what it is: a top-line, fast single-seater racing series."