Formula E and the FIA have announced updates to the sporting regulations for Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship following approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Laps replace time:

Races will run over laps instead of a set time period. To maintain consistency with the switch to laps, Safety Car and Full Course Yellow interruptions to racing will now be compensated by added laps, replacing the additional racing time feature. 

Attack Charge will be introduced at select races later in Season 9:

The new smaller, faster and lighter Gen3 cars will be able to receive a boost of energy during the race.

Organizers and technology partners have developed a battery capable of receiving 4kWh of energy inside 30 seconds—the most advanced EV battery in the world today—delivered by a 600kW booster.

A mandatory 30-second Attack Charge stop during a pre-determined period in the race will unlock two enhanced Attack Mode periods to be deployed later in the race where the power output of the Gen3 race cars will increase from 300kW to 350kW.

Attack Charge is set to be trialed at select races. The existing Attack Mode format of a temporary power boost activated by drivers during the race will be maintained in races where Attack Charge is not implemented. Fanboost has been discontinued and will not feature in Season 9.

Rookie drivers given platform to impress:

Every team must complete at least two Free Practice 1 sessions during the season with a driver who has never previously competed in the championship. The goal is to give up-and-coming drivers a chance to experience the unique qualities of Formula E racing and contribute to the team’s progress.

“Our updated sporting regulations are evidence of the continued evolution and positive impact of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for drivers, teams, partners and fans into the consumer EV world,” Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle said. 

For more information, visit fiaformulae.com.