Thrills and spills at first electric Formula E race

[Nipuna]

(Image: Barry Huang/Reuters)

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This may look like a standard Formula 1 race to a casual observer, but it's not. The cars are missing the deafening roar of a petrol engine. And the keen-eyed will spot that the wheels are almost hidden from view.

But the first race of the new all-electric Formula E championship, held in Beijing, China, on 13 September, still saw plenty of racing drama with a collision and crash on the final bend of the course. As they battled for first place, driver Nicolas Prost struck Nick Heidfeld's car, pushing him into a crash that brought a gasp from the crowd.

The championship organisers seem relieved that the race offered motor sport fans such a thrill. The $50 million series is intended to wake enthusiasts up to the idea of sustainable racing, but racing fans have been reluctant to embrace some of the changes involved in making racing more sustainable.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is "horrified by the lack of noise" produced by greener F1 racing cars, for example.

Despite doubts over the decibel level that they might generate, Formula E cars are far from silent. When you're driving at 100 kilometres an hour, tyre and road noise account for more than 90 per cent of a car's sound. These vehicles can hit almost 240 kilometres an hour.