Swiss E-Prix: Anticipation for the Bernese race
COUNTDOWN In five weeks, the Formula E race will take place in Bern. At a media event, those responsible expressed their enthusiasm. Sébastien Buemi is impressed by the circuit. On June 22, 2019, a circuit race will be held in the canton of Bern for the first time since the last Swiss Grand Prix in Bremgarten on August 22, 1954. A privilege that the Formula [...]
On June 22, 2019, a circuit race will be held in the canton of Bern for the first time since the last Swiss Grand Prix in Bremgarten on August 22, 1954. A privilege reserved for Formula E. It thus captures a wide national capital of this world.
Gathered executives
The line-up at the launch media conference at the Erlacherhof, the seat of Bern's city government, was correspondingly large: City President Alec von Graffenried, organizer Pascal Derron, Alberto Longo, co-founder of Formula E, and the Swiss CEOs of the main partners - Gian Rossi of Julius Baer and Robert Itschner of ABB - presented themselves with Nissan Formula E driver Sébastien Buemi and Venturi test driver Simona De Silvestro.
To get in the sporting mood for the big event, Buemi surfed through Bern's old town and across the Bundesplatz at walking pace in the current Formula E race car. The local hero - referring to Switzerland - also took the opportunity to drive the 2.6-kilometer hill-and-dale course in his private car.
In an interview with the Berner Zeitung, he described his impression.
Sébastien Buemi: "I'm impressed by how steeply it goes downhill there. A first. Here we'll probably reach the top speed of the whole season. That will be a challenge for everyone."
More than a race
At the media conference, the Mayor of Bern expressed his conviction in the objectives of the race series.
Alec von Graffenried: "The Swiss E-Prix in Bern will be more than just a Formula E race. It proves that e-mobility is capable of top performance. In this way, the event sets an example for the switch to e-mobility. The city of Bern is looking forward to this celebration for the whole population."
As much pleasure and little burden as possible
As the CEO and founder of Swiss E-Operations AG explained, the cooperation with the city of Bern is extremely goal-oriented.
Pascal Derron: "As in Zurich 2018, we have the privilege of working with a motivated team of proven specialists in their field in Bern. I admire the professionalism and innovative ability of those involved in this major project. Together, we will manage the balancing act of organizing an attractive race that creates as much joy as possible for the population and as little strain as possible."
Mix of sports, entertainment, technology and innovation
The Swiss E-Prix, which in its second edition is already the largest recurring sporting event in Switzerland, is to become a spectacle, public festival and sporting event at the same time, showing the city of Bern in the best light worldwide.
For Julius Baer, this is the second time in Switzerland that the private bank has been a title sponsor for the race.
Gian Rossi, Head of Switzerland and member of the Executive Board: "As a founding partner of Formula E, we recognized early on that the all-electric racing series is forward-looking and exceptional. With a mix of sports entertainment, technology and innovation, it pushes the boundaries of traditional motorsport. With the Swiss E-Prix, Switzerland can also underline its strength as a leading research location and hotspot for innovation."
Bern as a pioneer in e-mobility in public transport
Linked to innovative technology is series sponsor ABB's commitment to Formula E, as ABB Switzerland's CEO since 2019 explained.
Robert Itschner: "Whether as the market leader with more than 10500 fast charging stations sold for electric vehicles around the globe or as a technology supplier for innovative electric bus solutions - ABB is driving electromobility worldwide and also here in Bern."
Formula E as the ideal platform
Since last winter, for example, the country's first electric buses, which only need to be recharged at the final stop, have been operating in the city. The fast-charging station for them comes from ABB, as does the drive technology in the buses.
Robert Itschner: "We are therefore particularly proud to contribute to the Swiss race against the picturesque backdrop of Bern as title sponsor of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. ABB Formula E is the ideal platform to drive the performance of electric mobility and further ignite people's enthusiasm for it."
