Principality obliges, it is on a yacht, on the eve of the Monaco E-Prix (departure at 3:03 p.m. this Saturday, to be followed live on the L’Équipe channel), that Jeff Dodds, the boss of the discipline, received us. The day after the presentation of the GEN 3 Evo, a new version of the electric single-seater, ever faster and more powerful, which will be on the grid next season, the Briton (51 years old) explains how he intends to develop a sport which celebrates its ten years this year.
“What is your goal with the GEN3 Evo?
It represents a bridge between the current generation and that already planned for season 13, in 2027, called GEN4. Our goal is to demonstrate all the power of this car, its capabilities. It is a little more aggressive, but the most important thing is the presence of two electric motors, four-wheel drive and what this means for acceleration, incredible (0 to 100 km/h is announced in 1, 86 seconds), faster than an F1 car.
Will it still be adapted to the circuits that the FE currently frequents?
The current car would not be able to run on the circuits in the first season. We therefore modified the routes according to the evolution of the car, and that is what we will continue to do. F1 goes to city circuits, so it’s possible to do it with a powerful car, but they have to be able to accommodate them. This is the case with Mexico City, Diriyah or São Paulo. But the calendar will have to be changed in the future, indeed.
“The situation is generally difficult for motorsport, but our position in this environment is quite good”
What are the main strengths of Formula E?
The first is the level of competition. The races are very intense and competitive. This season we have had six different winners in the first seven races. Then there is technology transfer, for manufacturers, who can use what they design for their FE in their road cars. Finally, there is durability.
In everything we do, we have this goal in mind. Most manufacturers invest with us and are concerned with the same issues as us. The situation is difficult overall for motorsport, but our position in this environment is quite good.
And its weak points?
We are only 10 years old, we are still a baby. We learn, year after year. Facing us are disciplines that have decades of history, F1, IndyCar, MotoGP, Nascar… We are always growing, evolving. Our audience too…
Are you at war with F1?
No, I love F1! And a healthy F1 is good for all other sports, because it makes them grow with it. That being said, they face challenges, regarding the level of their competition, and their technology, as it is becoming old as the world moves towards electric. I think the two sports coexist happily. I don’t think I’m a worry for them and they’re not a worry for me. »
