Formula E set for ‘emotional’ drama as long-time dream to be unleashed

Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has revealed that the championship's return of pit stops on Friday evening will be an "emotional" moment, following over two years of delays. 

In the opening race of the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix double-header at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit – host of F1's race in Saudi Arabia – each driver will have to complete a mandatory pit stop. 

Known as 'Pit Boost', each driver will be stationary for 34 seconds, enough time for a revolutionary fast-charger to recharge 10% of the car's energy. 

The concept was originally set to be introduced at the start of 2023, but has encountered several delays. 

Whilst it was only meant to feature from 2023, the idea has been in the works for eight years. When the idea was created and shared with the teams during the Gen1 era, changing cars mid-race was still necessary.

It will mark a significant milestone in FE's history, one Longo has dreamed of seeing in action.

"When [the race] is done and over, I will be quite emotional I can tell you," FE's co-founder exclusively told RacingNews365. 

"Because I remember having the first meeting around a potential pit-stop related to energy, or the transfer of energy in Formula E, back in season three. 

"I think it was in Monaco that we presented [the idea] to the teams and the manufacturers. Since then, a lot has happened. 

"Obviously, it was quite a visionary sort of thing, because back then having a booster that is capable of unleashing 600 kilowatts of energy in just 30 seconds, etcetera, it was just like, 'Okay, guys, keep on dreaming'."

Why Jeddah?

Introducing the new concept at what is a brand-new venue for Formula E was a decision questioned by a few; however, there is logical reasoning behind it.

For Season 11, pit boost will only feature at venues hosting two races. One race will follow the traditional format, whilst the other will include pit stops. 

In Jeddah, Friday's race will feature the new concept before Saturday's race uses the usual format. This has been done for varied strategies across both races, offering fans a different spectacle. 

For now, a decision is yet to be made whether pit boost will again only feature at double headers next season or in every race as a permanent factor.

"We also did [choose Jeddah] in a very conscious way," continued Longo. "We're only using it in a double-header, so you can actually see the difference between one race and the other. 

"And I think that's important in order to decide next year whether we want to use it in every single race or just keep the same in double headers. 

"So you have two completely different strategies one day to the other. But yeah, weight lifted. I feel the pressure in many other things as well. And we know how to handle the pressure."