Formula E: The Porsche 99X for Neel Jani
COUNTDOWN TO THE RACE DEBUTT Although it is a unit chassis, the 99X electric is unmistakably a Porsche race car thanks to its design. Neel Jani is all the more looking forward to its racing debut at the end of November. Around 80 percent of a Formula E race car of the second generation introduced for the 2018/19 season are standard parts, such as the chassis and the standard battery. The parts required for [...]
Around 80 percent of a Formula E race car of the second generation introduced for the 2018/19 season are standard parts, such as the chassis and the standard battery. The most important components for performance, such as the electric motor, transmission, inverter and many more, are developed and installed by the manufacturers themselves. For the 2019/20 season, Mercedes and Porsche will be two new additions. The world's largest sports car manufacturer was the first of the two to unveil its first electric race car.
A real Porsche race car
The Porsche 99X electric is recognizable at first glance as a race car from Weissach. The designers chose the classic Porsche motorsport colors, as seen on the last 919 Hybrid from the LM P1-H class or the current GT factory 911 RSR cars. From a bird's eye view, the Porsche Crest is clearly visible around the halo system.
As usual, the naming features three digits that stand for Porsche race cars and two-door production sports cars. The highest number was assigned twice to underline the importance of the Formula E project, while the X stands for future orientation and prototype sports.
Focus on Formula E
Driver in Porsche TAG Heuer Formula E Team are Neel Jani from Biel and German-Belgian André Lotterer. An ideal and logical combination. Together they contested Porsche's last WEC season in 2017 and then another at Rebellion Racing. They have also had the same physiotherapist for several years, Helmut Fink from Austria.
Neel Jani: "We knew each other as teenagers. We need each other to push each other forward and help each other."
The LMP1 category is a thing of the past for both of them. Since mid-June, after the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours, they have been concentrating on Formula E. The Swiss has only been familiar with it from a race at the end of 2017 in Hong Kong with Dragon Racing, otherwise since the development drives with his future sports car that began in the spring. André Lotterer has already completed two racing seasons with the Chinese team Techeetah and claimed his first podium finishes.
In mid-October, they will compete together with Porsche for the first time at the official Formula E test drives in Valencia. The sixth season of the electric racing series will start on November 23/24 in Saudi Arabia.
All beginnings are difficult
Jani was involved in the development of the successful Porsche 919 Hybrid for Le Mans and the WEC right from the start. Now he was also able to accompany the new project from the very beginning. It's an exciting and responsible position of which he can be a little proud. What will come of it in sporting terms, however, is still an equation with many unknowns for him.
Neel Jani: "As newcomers, the first season will be difficult for us, especially for me as a rookie. André knows Formula E from two racing seasons with another team. As you saw in 2019, there are many unpredictabilities. That's why we can't let ourselves go crazy if we don't race at the front right away."
The strength lies in the detail
Where does he see Porsche's strengths?
Neel Jani: "In communication at all levels, how we approach things and then implement them. I'm hoping for details that are better on our car than on the competition. Optimized details are the pieces in the mosaic for success."
This is most likely to be drawn in a direct comparison with the second newcomer from Stuttgart. Mercedes has already gained one season's experience with HWA Racelab as the forerunner. On the other hand, Porsche's engineers were able to draw on experience from LMP1 in the development of the powertrain.
Neel Jani: "We can only prepare theoretically. Under race conditions, things look different. That's why we'll see where we stand based on the example of Mercedes. Our first goal of the season will be to prove our competitiveness. The rest will come by itself if you take your chances. So also the podium, which we see as the second step in our objective."
Formula E is also motorsport
Incidentally, the fact that the Le Mans winner and 2016 World Endurance Champion is suddenly just whizzing around after around 20 years in motor racing is not a problem for him. Apart from the fact that he earns good money as a works driver in a renowned team, the 35-year-old from Zeeland takes a completely pragmatic view.
Neel Jani: "I started my career with soapbox racing. Of course, the sound is missing again now. But a car has four wheels and an engine, and we drive in circles with them. So that's motorsport, too."
