The Spark-Renault SRT_01E, which will race in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship next year, successfully completed a test run this week at the La Ferté Gaucher circuit near Choisy-le-Roi, France.

With Lucas di Grassi at the wheel, the electric racer completed 40 laps over two days in order to verify that all systems were functioning correctly. For the test, the car was fitted with a 50 kw battery, a quarter the power of the battery that will be used in the Formula E series.

“It is a great feeling to be driving the Formula E car for the first time,” said Di Grassi. “I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car – even with just a quarter of the power it has quite a lot of grip and the electric motor produces huge torque.”

Spark Racing Technology designed and built together the SRT_01E in partnership with several well-known names in motorsport – the chassis is by Dallara, the motor, gearbox and electronics from McLaren, the batteries from Williams Advanced Engineering, tires from Michelin and systems integration by Renault.

“The car ran for around 40 laps with no issues straight out of the box, which looks good for the overall reliability,” said Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technology. “The next test is planned for the coming weeks where we want to increase the mileage on the car, working our way up to a full race simulation.”

“The first test was a historic moment for the championship and we’re delighted with how it has gone,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings. “We think teams, drivers and fans will love the way it looks and sounds. Now Frédéric and his team, together with Lucas, will begin to put mileage on the car, focusing on durability. We can’t wait for that first race in Beijing in September 2014 to see all 20 cars lined up on the grid.”                         

Source: Formula E