Formula E – Hankook: Permanent stretches are the icing on the cake

Everlasting racetracks are an absolute rarity within the historical past of Formel E. On the Portland International Raceway within the US state of Oregon, the electrical world championship just lately broke new floor – and instantly set new high pace and lap information with the Gen3 racing automobiles.

Whereas momentary metropolis circuits are undoubtedly a part of the DNA of Method E, which was based in 2014, excursions to everlasting circuits similar to the standard IndyCar monitor in Portland all the time supply loads of selection. Motorsport followers and quite a few racing drivers have been wanting a mixture of avenue programs and basic racing programs for a while.

Would that be an answer for the long run within the race calendar? On the premiere in Portland bat Motorsport-Magazin.com on race day Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe, from the unique tire provider of Method E for an interview.

Mr. Sandbichler, Portland Worldwide Raceway is the one everlasting racetrack on the 2023 Method E calendar. What does that imply from Hankook’s perspective?
Manfred Sandbichler: The Portland Worldwide Raceway suited Hankook as a result of there was a steady asphalt floor right here. On a avenue course, we normally discover completely different surfaces, in addition to bumps within the asphalt band or restore factors. That is why the situations on a everlasting racetrack like right here in Portland truly performed into our arms.

Was Hankook ready to attract on particular knowledge or information?
Manfred Sandbichler: No. The identical utilized to Hankook as to the groups: We have been all in Portland for the primary time with Method E and began with none comparable knowledge. As anticipated and hoped, we had no issues. The tires additionally proved their price at completely different temperatures, after it was comparatively heat on Friday’s follow session. Definitely there have been additionally some crucial corners the place the drivers went about their work in a comparatively ‘rustic’ manner and took the curbs aggressively. However that is a part of it and was an thrilling change from the road circuits. In fact, I am in favor of Method E driving within the cities, however I discover the occasional journey to a everlasting racetrack simply as enticing.

Quite a few drivers and followers would additionally like a mixture of momentary and everlasting racetracks in Method E. Would that be a risk for the long run?
Manfred Sandbichler: I used to be a bit skeptical on the very starting when Portland was added to the racing calendar. After arriving right here, nonetheless, we have been pleasantly stunned by your complete efficiency. And I am with the drivers: A everlasting racetrack for a change can undoubtedly present the mandatory salt within the soup. And let’s not overlook that Portland Worldwide Raceway is simply a couple of 20-minute drive from the town. Metropolis circuits are within the DNA of Method E, however such an idea ought to be stored in thoughts for the long run.

The excessive curbs have been actually hanging in Portland and customarily on everlasting racetracks. Did that fear Hankook prematurely?
Manfred Sandbichler: After what we skilled right here, one might virtually converse of curbs! The drivers have been capable of hit the tires exhausting on the fitting aspect of the automobile, though injury can’t be dominated out. The motive force then has to evaluate the danger appropriately and keep as far-off from the curbs as doable.

The Hankook tires have been one of many huge subjects within the paddock at first of the season. Within the meantime it has turn out to be comparatively quiet. From Hankook’s perspective, is it or dangerous factor if there may be numerous dialogue concerning the tires?
Manfred Sandbichler: From our perspective it is all the time a mixture of: ‘We have now to maintain speaking concerning the tyres’ and ‘Can we speak concerning the tyres’. Originally of our entry into Method E in reference to the brand new and considerably extra highly effective Gen3 automobile, there was immense expectation. Apparently, one or the opposite driver didn’t fulfill this requirement. And you may perceive that, in spite of everything, each racing driver all the time desires most efficiency and the best doable grip. Our tires do precisely what was required by the FIA. I mentioned from the beginning that the drivers ought to first get used to the brand new automobile and the brand new tires. The training curve is extraordinarily steep and after we observe what tactical choices the tires permit, precisely what we predicted at first of the season has occurred.

In Portland, Method E set new all-time information for high pace (276.6 km/h) and common lap occasions (168.2 km/h). Did Hankook plan for such values ​​when growing the tyres?
Manfred Sandbichler: We have been satisfied that the performances from the primary races of the season wouldn’t imply the top of the street. The groups first needed to assemble all of the elements of the brand new automobile. The document values ​​that we skilled right here in Portland have been a logical consequence of what occurred within the first half of the season: the groups and drivers realized to cope with the alternatives that have been accessible. The entire bundle is now rolling.

What’s your interim conclusion earlier than the final two season occasions in Rome and London?
Manfred Sandbichler: We at Hankook are very glad with how the season has gone up to now. To this point we have not had any punctures that may be traced again to tire issues. We’re greater than glad with the cooperation between the FIA, Method E, the groups and drivers. We needed to get to know the sequence and the contributors and vice versa. All of us did nicely, I’d say. It’s a constructive and simply as acquainted togetherness. One will not be busy coping with any trifles. We’re the place we wished to be and we’re actually transferring ahead. In spite of everything, we’re all pursuing the identical objective, which is to make Method E successful.