Apart from the eerie silence, the action on track in Formula E racing is hot and heavy with local audiences now getting a chance to see the final six rounds of the BB FIA Formula E Championship on SuperSport for the first time ever courtesy of Jaguar South Africa and its partnership with Cape Town Formula E Bid Company, e-Movement.

In order to conclude the season after a lengthy pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula E series organisers have devised a trio of double-headers comprising six races in nine days on three circuit layouts at the Templehof Airport in Berlin, Germany. 

All of these races, including qualifying sessions will be screened live and repeated on SuperSport thanks to a broadcast partnership with Jaguar South Africa. The races take place on 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13 August. SuperSport will also air Championship Highlights episodes, special Formula E features as well as some of the season’s past rounds from around the world.

Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa, says: “This is a historic first in South Africa, and Jaguar is thrilled to bring the televised all-electric Formula E season finale to fans in our region. This package is an exciting new element in our support of e-Movement’s bid to secure a World Championship Formula E round on the streets of Cape Town.

“Jaguar is leading the charge when it comes to electrification in South Africa, and after investing in public charging infrastructure nation-wide with the Powerway, the successful introduction of the all-electric I-PACE and its subsequent award as 2020 SA Guild of Motoring Journalists South African Car of the Year, we’re looking forward to carrying e-mobility momentum into the future.”

In March Jaguar was announced as the Founding Partner for e- Movement’s plans to host a Formula E race using a street circuit in the heart of Cape Town. With a feasibility study undertaken by members of Formula E Operations during a site visit last year, and ongoing negotiation processes, Jaguar and e-Movement have provisionally secured a date for a Cape Town round in the 2021/22 ABB FIA Formula E Calendar. 

Iain Banner, e-Movement Chairman, adds: “While we eagerly await a formal announcement in regards to an official E-Prix calendar entry, we’ve worked hard together with the City of Cape Town to develop a suitable track layout on Cape Town’s city streets that will fit into the precinct with minimal disruption to the general public and traffic. 

“But, at the same time, we’re also proud to be working with Jaguar on e-Mobility education and awareness. Securing a broadcast deal to screen Formula E on SuperSport provides a perfect platform to showcase the energy and excitement electric motoring and motorsport have to offer.” 

As part of Jaguar’s support for e-Movement’s bid, a Jaguar I-PACE was handed over to Iain Banner for use in daily activities. Aside from day-to-day transport the I-PACE will be used to chauffeur Formula E partners and local government representatives at City, Provincial and National level during site visits and other bid-related engagements.

“I speak with first-hand experience when I say that the perception of electric cars being boring is absolute fallacy. The Jaguar I-PACE I’m driving is simply exhilarating under acceleration and the attention it gets on a daily basis points to a genuine interest from the South African public,” says Banner. “I cannot wait to demonstrate the appeal of all-electric motoring on a much larger scale when we bring World Championship motorsport to the people with a South African Formula E race.

“Additionally, we are working flat out to finalise a commercial programme to support the staging of a five-day e-Fest event in Cape Town, focusing on all things electric and the environment. This event is planned for late in 2021, so stay tuned for more information.”

Berlin ABB FIA Formula E live broadcast schedule:

Round 6 Qualifying – 2pm, 5 August – SuperSport 6

Round 6 Race – 6pm, 5 August – SuperSport 6

Round 7 Qualifying – 2pm, 6 August – SuperSport 6

Round 7 Race – 6.30pm, 6 August – SuperSport 6

Round 8 Qualifying – 2pm, 8 August – SuperSport 12

Round 8 Race – 6.30pm, 8 August – SuperSport 6

Round 9 Qualifying – 2pm, 9 August – SuperSport 8

Round 9 Race – 6.30pm, 9 August – SuperSport 6

Round 10 Qualifying – 2pm, 12 August – SuperSport 6

Round 10 Race – 6.30pm, 12 August – SuperSport 6

Round 11 Qualifying – 2pm, 13 August – SuperSport 6

Round 11 Race – 6.30pm, 13 August – SuperSport 6