The Heat Of Jakarta Makes FEO Technicians Work Extra To Prepare Formula E Races

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The head of technical operations of Formula E Operation (FEO), Barry Mortimer revealed one obstacle in preparing for the Formula E event in Jakarta. This obstacle is not experienced in other Formula E countries.

Barry said that the obstacles experienced by technical workers in managing the logistics of organizing this electric car race were the weather conditions in Jakarta, which were hotter and humid compared to other countries.

"The most obvious difference is the weather. It's the hottest country we've been to so far," Barry told reporters Thursday, May 26.

Barry said his party had to be more careful in ensuring the smooth running of race logistics. For example, monitoring the condition of the race car to remain in optimal condition from coming to Jakarta until the day of the race.

"We have to be careful because not everything can withstand this heat. We have to do a number of tests, make sure everything is under control, make sure the battery can work at this temperature," said Barry.

Likewise, racers from various countries who took part in the competition. "I think the hot (weather) will be the biggest challenge for the team and riders. Although the race is not too long, but this race is very intense and with this weather it makes everyone have to be very focused," he continued.

On that occasion, Barry also commented on the Formula E circuit which was built in the East Ancol area. Barry was quite impressed with the process of constructing a permanent circuit which was quite short, which was almost 3 months.

"I think this circuit is fantastic because we only have a short time to prepare everything. We don't have much time to build this circuit. So, it's amazing. I can't wait to race at that circuit," he said.

It is known, the shape of the track at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC) is called a lumping horse. The condition of the circuit has 18 bends, 600 meters of straight track length, clockwise track direction, and 2.4 kilometers track length.