When the BMW iFE.18 takes to the track for the first time in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in mid-December, the all-electric car will have already contested its first race. The new Formula E car’s virtual world tour came to a spectacular end in Hong Kong (CHN). The car completed an enthralling journey through seven cities on three continents.
The new #BMW iFE.18 stopped by in London on its virtual tour, introducing the world to our new #FormulaE car. #RacingBeyond @FIAFormulaE. pic.twitter.com/EcOaCNvQ8d
— BMW UK Motorsport (@BMWUKMotorsport) October 12, 2018
In addition to Europe, America and Asia were stops on the virtual journey of BMW iFE.18
The worldwide “Race Before the Race” got underway in Munich (GER). There the race car was presented by BMW i Andretti Motorsport on 14th September. Fans were able to watch the presentation live via the BMW Motorsport social media channels. The introduction of the BMW iFE.18 was spectacular. A thrilling light and laser show on the glass front of BMW Welt caught everyone’s attention. It also set off on its first virtual journey through the streets of Munich in the evening hours.
In the weeks that followed, the event was also witnessed in Oslo (NOR) and London (GBR). The tour featured New York (USA), Detroit (USA) as well as Mexico City (MEX). After a total of 20 days on tour, the BMW iFE.18 finally crossed the virtual finish line in Hong Kong. The attention-grabbing presentation of the car via motion mapping highlights BMW i Motorsport’s aspiration to use pioneering technologies. For such technologies, the Formula E Championship exists as an event platform.
“It was something special to see the BMW iFE.18 in action in this unique race,” said BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver Alexander Sims. “I’m really interested in innovative technologies which is why the approach of sending our car out onto the streets via motion mapping intrigued me. For fans around the world, it was a little teaser of what they can expect in Formula E as of December: a cool car with a spectacular backdrop. I can’t wait until it ‘really’ gets started for us. The virtual world tour was definitely the perfect warm-up for us.”
The first Formula E race for the BMW iFE.18 is scheduled for 15th December 2018 in Ad Diriyah (KSA). BMW works driver António Félix da Costa will also race for BMW i Andretti Motorsport.
