Joy goes through neighborhoods and the new Formula E qualifying format has left some disparity of opinions. Riders such as Pascal Wehrlein are delighted as they feel that the new concept with group sessions and direct heats allows the strongest and highest GC drivers to fight for pole position. However, the drivers of the humblest teams consider that the opportunity to see surprises has been eliminated and a certain ‘mix’ between the actors of the championship.
In this line, Sérgio Sette Câmara considers that the new classification format breaks with one of the signs of identity of Formula E, as it is almost impossible for the smaller teams in the competition to surprise and get good starting positions. Something that they could do until now since, when the qualifying groups were defined by the order of the general, the strongest pilots and with the most points jumped onto the track at a time when they were in worse condition than when the last did. classified.
Although it is true that there are more voices in favor of the new classification format than against, from NIO 333 and Dragon Penske they consider that they have completely finished with their options to surprise the teams that have records behind. Own Sergio Sette Camara This is how he explains it: «I think it is very difficult to surprise with the new qualifying format because they all have three or four turns. In the end, everyone makes the right turn. Last year, being one lap at maximum power, there could be failures».
«This year it is much more difficult for a team like ours to be among the best. They all do incredible qualifying laps. I was like a tenth away in Mexico from being top, but in the end it didn’t happen. Everything is very tight and it seems that we do not do enough to rank above. If I had been able to correct that small deficit and sneak into the knockout stage, I could have achieved a position in the middle of the group” adds Sette Câmara.
The 2021-22 Formula E season has just started, but after three races and two ePrix there are only five drivers who have not scored a single point. Alex Sims aside, the other four drivers who have a zero in their box are Dan Ticktum, Oliver Turvey, Antonio Giovinazzi and Sérgio Sette Câmara, pairs of pilots from NIO 333 and Dragon Penske. A true reflection of the lower performance of these two teams compared to the rest of the formations of the electric series.
Source: autosport
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Photos: FIA Formula E