The FIA Formula E Championship has decided to postpone the Gen2 EVO car as they take a call to cut costs amid COVID-19 pandemic.
With COVID-19 pandemic creating havoc around the globe, Formula E had to take a big step to cut costs. Following an e-vote, the WMSC confirmed the decision to postpone the Gen2 EVO car from 2020-21 to 2021-22 season now.
The car was to launch in the Geneva motor show but the cancellation of it forced them to take the online approach. However, the car is all-together postponed by a year after the FIA along with WMSC and the teams took an unanimous decision.
Additionally, the homologation period has been extended as well with the manufacturers only to alter the powertrain components once in the next two Formula E seasons. The decision was taken with a long-term approach, especially in the financial side.
The full statement from Formula E:
As part of the plans to reduce costs, Formula E, the FIA, the teams and manufacturers unanimously agreed to postpone the launch of the Gen2 EVO car until the 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Following an e-vote, the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) ratified the decision to extend the homologation period, with manufacturers only able to alter powertrain components once over the next two seasons.
Teams can either introduce a new car in season seven, for a two-year cycle, or continue to use existing technology for the next season before homologating a new car the year after for a single season. After discussion with manufacturers, the changes to the technical regulations have been made with the long-term financial stability of championship participants in mind.
Formula E and the FIA have taken a flexible and collaborative approach to decreasing spending, which will see car development costs cut by half over the next two seasons. In addition to supporting its immediate community, Formula E is committed to finding more ways to fight the global health crisis and help others affected by the spread of coronavirus.
“In these difficult times, adapting the cost structures in motorsport is a priority to ensure its sustainability,” said Jean Todt, FIA President. “I encouraged the decisions regarding the FIA Formula E Championship approved by the World Motor Sport Council in this regard, which are in line with the discussions currently underway for the other FIA disciplines.”
Alejandro Agag, Founder & Chairman of Formula E commented on the agreement: “During these challenging times, we have taken a flexible approach. Not only with the quick and sensible decision to temporarily suspend the season, but now by implementing cost measures to lower development costs for the teams.
“We listened to feedback from the teams and manufacturers and worked closely with the FIA to push back the launch of the Gen2 EVO and limit teams to a single homologation over the next two years. By doing so we have cut the projected car development costs in half. This was a necessary action to take to contain costs, given the health crisis and economic environment.”
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