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Formula E returns to Europe this weekend for the final spurt of its ninth season: on Saturday and Sunday (July 15 and 16), Robin Frijns and Nico Müller will compete with their ABT CUPRA team in Rome. The circuit in Italy’s capital is considered one of the most challenging on the calendar with its fast sections, elevation changes and overtaking opportunities – not least because of a notorious jump.
The track is located right in the heart of the World’s Fair district (Esposizione Universale di Roma, or EUR for short) and alongside the spectacular “La Nuvola” convention centre. In addition, other iconic buildings such as the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana complete the scenery. Both races start at 3 p.m. and run over 25 (Saturday) and 24 laps (Sunday). A list of all international broadcasters is available at fiaformulae.com.
After the test day following the races in Berlin, there will be a separate free practice session for rookies only for the first time in Rome. The drivers will have half an hour on Friday afternoon to gain further experience in the third-generation Formula E car. Adrien Tambay, who won the ETCR championship with CUPRA last year and was already in the car in Berlin, will once again start for ABT CUPRA. DTM driver and reserve driver Kelvin van der Linde will also be on site in Rome. As in Jakarta, the South African will support the international TV team as an expert and co-commentator.
Nico Müller: “A real Formula E track”
“Challenge – this word best describes the track in Rome,” says Nico Müller, who, like his teammate Robin Frijns, competed in the WEC race in Monza at the weekend. “I know the circuit from the past and find it absolutely spectacular, a true Formula E track. But that also means it is absolutely unforgiving of mistakes. It’s all about settling in quickly and staying absolutely error-free.”
Robin Frijns: “Lots of spectacular pictures”
Straight from the WEC race in Monza to the simulator in Kempten and then almost straight on to Rome – like his teammate Nico Müller, Robin Frijns has a busy schedule these days. Last year, the Dutchman was on the podium at both races in Rome. “The track is definitely one of the highlights on the calendar,” says Frijns. “There are extremely fast sections, some overtaking opportunities, a jump and, because of the altitude differences, compression on braking – there will be lots of spectacular pictures.”
Adrien Tambay: “Want to support the team as best as possible”
For half an hour on Friday afternoon, Adrien Tambay will take over the cockpit of the number 51 car, which has been rebuilt after the heavy accident in Portland. “I’m delighted to be back in a Formula E car – and then in Rome, a special city with a very special flair and an extremely challenging track,” says Tambay, who completed a total of 66 DTM races for ABT between 2012 and 2015. “I will be on site for the whole weekend after my session and will support the team in the best possible way.”
Thomas Biermaier: “Exactly the right circuit for Robin and Nico”
“Rome and London are two classic street circuits at the end of the season, for which Formula E is so famous,” says ABT CEO and Team Principal Thomas Biermaier. “We have recently shown in all sessions that we have caught up with the midfield. Now we also need to force the necessary race luck to turn performance into visible results. Rome is technically demanding, so it’s a so-called drivers’ track – so it’s just the right thing for Robin and Nico, who have often shown their class.”
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