Drivers Predict Mix of Pure Racing and Absolute Chaos at Inaugural Hard Rock Stadium Miami E-Prix
As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship prepares for Round 3 of Season 12 today at the Miami International Autodrome, drivers and officials are divided on what to expect from the debut race at the Hard Rock Stadium venue. While the series visited Homestead-Miami Speedway last season, today marks the first competitive Formula E event on the 2.32km “Miami Loop” configuration, a shortened version of the Formula 1 circuit.
Nissan’s Oliver Rowland expressed optimism that the event will feature “pure racing.” Rowland suggested that cooler temperatures—forecast in the 60s—could mitigate the extreme energy and tire management issues that often force drivers into a defensive pack. “It’s just going to be pure racing,” Rowland stated, believing the conditions will allow drivers to “let it all hang out” rather than conserving energy in a slow-moving formation.
However, this view faces significant objections from other competitors who anticipate the series’ trademark unpredictability. Zane Maloney of Lola Yamaha ABT warned that “these Formula E races are always chaos,” advising that staying out of trouble will be the primary factor in scoring points. Alberto Longo, Formula E’s co-founder, aligned with the chaotic outlook, predicting that while the start might be controlled, the final segment will unravel. “I expect the last 10 to 15 minutes to be an absolute nut case,” Longo noted.
Pascal Wehrlein also contradicted the “pure racing” narrative, telling reporters he still expects “a bit of a peloton race” with heavy overtaking strategies around the 14-turn layout. The race will serve as a critical test for championship leader Nick Cassidy, who has secured a strong start for the newly branded Citroën Racing team. With a new track surface and the potential for rain adding to the variables, the only consensus is that the outcome remains entirely uncertain until the checkered flag drops this afternoon.
miamiherald.com
racingnews365.com
youtube.com
