There are two rounds to go in the 2021 Formula E: Accelerate season and only one more where the regular points structure will apply. This particular event, the fifth out of six in total, looks set to provide viewers with, most likely, a brand new track experience.
The history behind ‘Electric Docks’
Unlike most racing championships, the full calendar of Formula E: Accelerate was shrouded in mystery to its audience. People were encouraged to remain watching until the end of each broadcast to discover the next location this talented field would be racing at. There had been no choices out of the left-field until last week when the ‘Electric Docks’ teaser reel was rolled out.
Known to many drivers of rFactor 2 as ‘Lester’, this fictional racing circuit first broke cover back in 2015. The 3.2km track, based on New Jersey’s docks, dropped alongside a very well received Toyota Celica GTO ‘86 by the incredibly talented ‘32_pixels’. Fans flocked and although many grassroots leagues chose not to feature it, it was a favourite amongst those who enjoyed the simple pleasures of driving.
Fast forward to April 19th 2019 and Studio 397 had acquired permission to not only release the file under their banner but add some fiction to this fantasy layout. ‘Lester’ became ‘Formula E Test Circuit’ and heralded the arrival of the Gen2 Formula E car to the game.
In 2020, during the ‘Race at Home’ Formula E initiative, the track found its way onto the calendar where both real life and virtual drivers raced in support of UNICEF. It was also updated earlier this week, with some upgrades that will surely help tonight’s esports action.
Jockeying before double points mayhem?
Turning our attention to the battle at hand, Kevin ‘Siggy’ Rebernak will be the most comfortable of the three championship protagonists having cleaned up a healthy second place in that Race at Home Challenge race. Based on form, it seems unlikely that we will see Peyo Peev repeat his winning heroics thus the Slovenian is surely the favourite heading into Thursday evening.
Pessimists will point to his somewhat wobbly Diriyah performance and question if he can calm Jajovski once again with Rasmussen firmly in the equation as well. To this, I say that it was hardly the most exhilarating of E-Prix with overtaking opportunities a tier above a premium.
The upcoming showdown at ‘Electric Docks’ will be narrative buildup to the final act unless fate has other ideas; a final chance to nail down points before the inevitable double points rollercoaster. Seven points between victory and playing bridesmaid will become fourteen and based on the current Drivers’ standings, that would be enough for Siggy to overturn Macedonia’s finest simracer.
Brljak vs Hörzing in the spotlight again
Lorenz Hörzing’s last-lap charge could not have come at a better time for him or ROKiT Venturi. A first points score and one that eclipsed the total of main rival Petar Brljak and precious form when the Austrian needed it most.
The Monegasque team would have been hurting following BMW i Andretti’s successes in Berlin and then the All-Star race immediately preceding the official Accelerate round. That said, some of the damage from Jake Dennis’ victory was nullified with their best team performance this season.
For BMW, there are alarm bells now that Brljak’s Berlin form could be the exception to the rule. Hörzing took his chances when the Croatian didn’t and if the double points scenario for Round 6 could flip the Drivers’ tussle on its head, then the Teams’ championship picture is in double jeopardy.
WATCH Round 5 of Formula E: Accelerate live on Traxion
All that is left now is to sit back and watch the racing action as Formula E: Accelerate returns this evening. You can catch all of the action live with us on the Traxion YouTube and Twitch channels from 19:00 GMT / 20:00 CET / 14:00 EST / 11:00 PST.
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