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Wittmann positive ahead of his Formula E Marrakesh test drive

BMW’s lineup for the Marrakesh Test is not short of talent. One of the drivers getting behind the wheel of a Formula E car for the very first time this Sunday is Marco Wittmann, who caught up with Just Electric to talk about what he expects from this test. 

The name of Marco Wittmann might sound familiar to those who follow DTM. The German has been a strong driver ever since he entered the championship, clinching the title in 2014 and 2016, both times as a BMW driver. 

Now, he takes the wheel of a Formula E car for the very first time on his career. This new experience is one he wants to take step by step. “First of all, I’m looking forward to being in Marrakesh to see how the race weekend itself actually goes. 

“On Sunday it’s my turn to drive the Formula E car for the first time. So far I have driven a lot of race cars but never an electric one.”

Before making the move to DTM, Wittmann took part in junior series such as Formula BMW Europe or Formula 3 Euro Series. 

After winning his first DTM championship, he was also given the chance of driving a Formula 1 Toro Rosso car at the 2015 Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull’s home race, as the Fuerth native was sponsored by the energy drink. 

Coming back to his Formula E testing debut this upcoming Sunday, he says: “I think this will be a new opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it and getting a first taste of Formula E.”

The series has been attracting drivers from different backgrounds, giving them the possibility to test the cars in various opportunities, like the upcoming Marrakesh Test or the one held in Ad Diriyah after the E-Prix in December last year. 

Wittmann, who is a renowned DTM driver and has driven sportscars on some occasions too, is an example of a successful driver who will test in the growing series. “In general I think the series has developed very well. A lot of manufacturers have stepped in and it could have a bright future”. 

He is aware of the development the fully-electric championship has had, with Season 5 opening a new chapter in its history. “I think the series has developed quite well in the past years. I think it is a big step forward having no car change which was a big topic in the past and for sure the cars are getting quicker as well”.  

“For me as a driver it is definitely a different approach to the other race cars I have driven so far”, he adds. 

The drivers will test the Gen2 car, a vehicle drivers raced with for the very first time last month in Ad Diriyah, and has stood out for its futuristic design. “It definitely looks pretty cool”, Wittmann comments. 

“I have to say I like it more than the previous car. It looks different to any other race car, which generates interest in the media – which is always good for the sport”. Wittmann is certain about the attention from a big number of media outlets from different backgrounds across the globe the Gen2 car has received, as it has been widely praised. 

“The series definitely tries to take a completely different approach to any other racing series, which I think is very positive”, he gives his opinion about how Formula E has been approaching to the public. 

Now, the German will experience the world of Formula E, when he jumps into the BMW iFE.18 on Sunday. A strong and skilled driver, he will join fellow BMW DTM driver and champion Bruno Spengler, as both racers will take on the picturesque and exciting Marrakesh track. 

 

Photo courtesy of BMW Press. 

Andrea Perilli

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