- Former IndyCar driver, Robert Wickens, debuts in Formula E’s GEN3 machine for his first run in a single-seater since the severe 2018 crash that left him paralysed.
- Wickens began his motorsport career in karting, achieving FIA Formula 2 championship race wins, winning the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 championship and was a reserve driver for Virgin Racing in Formula 1.
- Despite a severe crash in 2018 that left him paralysed, Wickens made a remarkable comeback, competing in the TCR class of IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge and becoming TCR class champion in 2023.
- The GEN3 Formula E car, modified for Wickens to drive with hand controls, represents a leap in technology and sustainability, as well as a benchmark for motorsport series’ worldwide championing inclusivity on-track.
PORTLAND, OREGON, USA. Sat. 29 Jun. 2024 - Canadian racing driver Robert Wickens made history at the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix, jumping into Formula E’s GEN3 car for a number of test laps at the Portland International Raceway.
For Wickens, the 35-year-old racing driver from Ontario, Canada, these laps were more than just a test, but an inspiring comeback against adversity in his first return to single-seaters since his accident in 2018. His run in the GEN3 car was not just a one-off demo, but an evaluation session for Robert to assess opportunities for a full-time return to single-seater racing in the future.
Wickens had his first-ever experience behind the wheel of a Formula E machine in the cutting-edge GEN3 Formula E car – the latest generation of electric race cars – ahead of the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix. He completed eleven full laps, demonstrating the potential for inclusivity and technological innovation within the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The GEN3 is the world's fastest, lightest and most sustainable electric race car and was specifically modified by manufacturing partner SPARK for Wickens to drive via hand controls. It is also the most efficient race car on the planet, with almost 50 percent of its running energy coming from regeneration in the rear and new front powertrain, achieving up to 600kW of total energy regeneration.
Compared to its predecessor, the GEN3 car is 75 percent more powerful, has a top speed that is 95km/h greater, and boasts six times the power regeneration capability.
Robert Wickens' participation in the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix not only highlights his extraordinary comeback but also symbolises the inclusive spirit and relentless pursuit of innovation that defines the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Robert Wickens said:
“It was such an amazing opportunity to drive the GEN3 car yesterday. Formula E has been a series that I’ve been keeping a close eye on for quite a while, but I never knew how I could get myself into the series. A huge thanks to Formula E and SPARK for their ingenuity and for developing a hand control system for me to drive the car in Portland.
“It was only a few laps, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it left me wanting a lot more. Hopefully this will lead to more opportunities in the future and possibly a rookie test. I think right now, that would be the goal for me, to try and get onto the grid in Formula E for the future.”
Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO, said:
“It’s a privilege to offer a driver of Robert’s calibre a drive in our GEN3 Formula E car. Throughout his career, Robert has proven his speed and talent, and since his accident, his determination and dedication to return to the sport we love has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.
“I’ve been following Robert’s career for a number of years, and it’s clear he was always destined for motorsport success. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive championship led by technology and innovation, and thanks to SPARK, our ambitions to provide greater accessibility for talented racing drivers have been made possible.
“Robert’s passion and commitment to a full-time return to single-seater racing are clear, and I’m hopeful this drive will open doors for his future.”
ABOUT ROBERT WICKENS
Wickens’ journey in motorsport began in karting as a child, eventually progressing through the ranks of lower formulae. In 2009, he showcased immense talent after winning two races in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, finishing second overall. His career continues to ascend as he clinched the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Championship, where he raced alongside Jean-Éric Vergne. His prowess on the track earned him a role as a reserve driver for Virgin Racing in Formula 1.
In 2018, Wickens joined the American IndyCar series and made an immediate impact, being named Rookie of the Year at the Indy 500. However, his promising career was abruptly halted by a severe crash at Pocono, which left him paralysed from the waist down. Despite daunting challenges, Wickens’ determination never wavered. After nearly four years of recovery, he returned to racing, testing a specifically modified Hyundai with hand controls at Mid-Ohio raceway - 989 days post-accident.
ABOUT THE 2024 HANKOOK PORTLAND E-PRIX
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Portland for a double-header event on June 29-30, 2024, after a successful debut in 2023. Portland International Raceway's 3.190km track remains unchanged, promising high-speed action and strategic overtaking opportunities after last year's Portland E-Prix saw over 400 changes of position.
Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans could tie the all-time Formula E win record if he wins in Portland, while teammate and current leader Nick Cassidy holds a 25-point lead in the championship.
Off-track entertainment includes gaming arenas, local street artists, and live performances by Jxdn and Natalie Jane in the Allianz Fan Village.
Rounds 13 and 14 of the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix start at 14:00 local time on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June. Tickets are still available for people who don't want to miss out on the action: https://fiaformulae.com/
