Formula E season two "impossible to predict", says Piquet
Reigning Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr says it is "impossible to predict" the competitive pecking order of the upcoming season.
Photo by: Renault Sport
Piquet is testing at Donington Park after spearheading the NEXTEV TCR team's pre-season testing throughout July, mostly in Spain.
“The testing has been going ok,” the inaugural Formula E champion told Motorsport.com. “The development testing in Spain was good, but it is hard to say where everyone will be.
"I think only in China, will we have a good idea of what is going to happen.”
“There is obviously more that the driver can add to what the engineers are working on with the new technology, because it is a combination of managing the powertrain but also understanding all of the software too," Piquet explained.
"This all makes a difference now, and it will be interesting to see who makes the most of adapting. Different teams will have different development curves for sure.”
“Every day there is new stuff coming from our guys, but there isn’t much time left now as the cars leave at the end of the month,” continued the Brazilian.
“I think the thermal management aspect won’t be as critical as it was last year, but we will have to wait and see. As it stands it looks like the Virgin guys are ahead, but as I said it is almost impossible to predict.”
Piquet thinks that a natural breakaway at the front of the field will happen early in the season.
“I think that it will not be much between the teams in the second year," he said.
"The third season I think you could see more of a hierarchy, but this season should be quite close between probably four of five teams, much as it was in season one.
"Last year we had two or three guys at the front who would disappear, but now it will be about the teams getting ahead initially.”
Piquet also added that he would be happy to continue to share the development with Oliver Turvey, who made his Formula E debut at Battersea Park in June.
“Yes, he is driving here and it will be good to have him in the team if that is what they decide. He’s a great guy.“
On Thursday, Piquet heads from Donington to Sonoma, where he will undertake his first IndyCar test with the Penske squad.
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