Formula E wants to increase artificial passing

Attack mode creates 100% artificial passing

The Attack Mode implemented for the new cars provides so much more power it takes zero, and we do mean zero, talent to pass cars. And now some want to see more power in Attack Mode to create more artificial passing so the fans don't fall asleep watching the boring silent racing.

While F1 is 99% car, and 1% driver talent, Formula E appears intent on 99.9% car and 0.1% driver talent.

Why not just engineer the driver right out of the car and go to Alejandro Agag's wet dream – Robocar?

Agag says increased power is among the minor changes ABB FIA Formula E is considering making to its attack mode system following the 2018/19 Ad Diriyah season opener.

The first iteration of attack mode, which the FIA can change between races, comprised two four-minute bursts of 225kW, with the activation zone placed in a tight off-line spot at the very beginning of the Ad Diriyah circuit's main straight.

The location of the activation zone was adjusted after criticism from drivers ahead of the race.

When asked by Autosport for his thoughts on the attack mode's first outing and whether FE was planning to make any tweaks to its use as a result, Agag said any potential changes would be "nothing major".

"It depends on where we put it, positioning on the track [for future races]," he continued.

"Maybe having a little bit more gap of energy [the attack mode's raised level is only 25kW above the standard 200kW race power] could be a possibility, potentially making the difference bigger.

"But the difference was quite visible, I think it was sufficient for guys to overtake.

"So minor tweaks. It worked really well.

Agag is so proud of his artificial driver crutch. Is Formula E a sport, or is it an exercise in engineering? Engineering is not a sport. Never was, never will be.

"I think it's ground-breaking for motorsport, it's an incredible innovation that again is being brought by Formula E. [I'm] very proud."

"Attack mode is not enough," said Audi's Daniel Abt.

"It's more like a lose mode because you lose time. I lost a position activating it, and then I never properly got it back because the additional 25kW is not really enough to make a proper move.

"We should have 250kW or something so you at least you accelerate so good that you can clearly make a move. Right now, if someone defends you do not overtake them."

Lucas di Grassi outlined his belief that there are "[fewer] strategy possibilities with current format".

"Maybe if they put attack mode at qualifying power [250kW] the difference will be very big," he continued.

"Or in another track maybe you have to go through pitlane to activate it – maybe there is different stuff to use these solutions.

"It was very conservative [in Ad Diriyah]."

But Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird reckoned attack mode should lead a greater time loss, which would reward drivers who fight back through on the higher power setting.

"You should lose six, seven, eight seconds instead of one," he said.

"So you do definitely lose positions and then you're fighting with new people and you have to make your way through.

"A bit like the joker lap in Rallycross – same sort of concept, only you lose six-eight seconds but you've got more power for the next three laps. Something like that would be cool."

But why bother if you lose time activating it and then gain time from the additional power?

The subsequent passing is 100% artificial.