The formula E series is for the first time, back in Switzerland, after they celebrated there in the year 2018 in Zurich made her debut. DW spoke with the Swiss Sebastien Buemi on the largest differences to the formula 1.
DW: you take part in this race in Bern, just an hour away from your home to Aigle. How does it feel to be so close to home?
Sebastien Buemi: A good feeling, but also weird. I’m not used to. Last year, in Zurich it was already something of a home, but it was still much further away from my home. This year it is much closer and it is just great.
You wanted to go as a child and a race in your home?
To be a driver, I’ve dreamed of this a long time ago. But to home to a dream never, because it was forbidden (op. d. Red.: Motorsport was banned in Switzerland after the Disaster of Le Mans in 1955, when 80 people were killed. The Swiss government eased the legislation in the year 2015 and allowed cars with electric drive.). Therefore, it is of course great that we can be here now.
Advertising is everything: Sebastien Buemi “parked” in the middle of Bern
How has it changed the country in terms of the six decades of Motorsport-absence?
I would not say that it has changed to Switzerland. But we have a great Fan base, especially in relation to the size of the country. Many people follow intense the formula 1 or Motorsport. A formula E race here is a big deal.
You are in the biggest Motorsport series, formula 1, before they changed the formula E. You miss the F1?
To be honest, not so much. I am very much in lines with the FIA world endurance championship has and still work for the Red Bull Team in the Simulator. So I don’t miss it. But I think that I could have been better, as I was still in F1. But I’m also really happy about what I’m doing and am very focused on my Job.
What are the differences between formula 1 and formula E are?
It is in some Parts different. The racing Format is different, because everything happens on Saturday. The race tracks are very different, because we ride exclusively in inner cities and are very close. Also, the car itself is very different, because it is heavier. And we have no Slicks and less downforce – and it is an electric car. From the outside it doesn’t look so different. But if you drive it, there are quite a few differences.
You have to go tactically different to a race approach? Or is it just a question of how hard you step on the Gas?
A Qualifying remains a Qualifying. It is only a matter of how fast you drive. But in a race you have to also think of things such as energy-Management and energy-efficiency. And what you experience in the race is completely different to the one in the formula 1. You have to be in the formula E to be quick while power save. This is not easy.
During the race, focus on that: Sebastien Buemi in his formula-E-cars
Can you describe what goes on during a race, everything is through your head?
I’m trying to focus all the time on it, it is round for round better. I want a perfect lap after another. Therefore, I would say, I try to stay very focused. On a road track with very short Straight, there is not a lot of time to think of anything else. I must remain as a driver in a very focused way.
Emotions have no role to play?
I’m a very emotional Person. That’s why I’m sometimes disappointed or very satisfied. But I try to keep these feelings so well under control.
The Interview was conducted by Gerhard Sonnleitner
Sebastien Buemi, 30, is a Swiss racing driver in the Team Nissane.adams formula E. Buemi is in the year 2014 this series beige. he also drives for Toyota Gazoo Racing, the FIA long distance world Championships, which he was able to win in the 2018/19 season for the second Time. Between 2009 and 2011, Buemi drove for the Toro Rosso in the formula 1.