Formula E 2017-18 preview: Rules, racers, teams and how to watch live on Eurosport

Formula E. It’s pretty simple, it’s a brand of FIA approved motorsport that uses solely electric cars, hence Formula E.

The rules are similar to Formula 1 but slightly different in a number of interesting ways.

Let’s start with the races themselves. As with F1 there is a free practice stage, following by qualification, followed by the race itself. The difference is with Formula E everything takes over the same day. The only exception to this is when there are “double-header” weekends, where there are races on both Saturday and Sunday, which means double the possible points. The weekend opener in Hong Kong is one such event.

This season the drivers have to pit once but rather than changing tyres they change car as the battery runs out. However from next season this will be scrapped as the cars’ power will increase to 200kw, up from 180kw. The power has gradually increased year-on-year to get to this stage and there has been a 10kw increase from last season.

In qualifying there is more power. So this season in qualifying 200kw will be available in qualifying and next season 220kw.

The teams all use the same chassis and battery so manufacturers can control the electric motor, inverter, gearbox and cooling system.

Points are allocated in the traditional FIA manner akin to Formula 1, so 25 points for a win, 18 for second etc, etc. However there are also bonus points on offer, with three points for the driver who qualifies on pole and one point for the driver who sets the fastest lap.

At the end of the season the driver with the points wins the championship whilst the constructor whose two drivers have the most points as a total win the constructor championship.

Okay so there are ten teams, each with two drivers.

Here are the ten teams in full with each of their drivers.

The reigning champion is Lucas di Grassi and frankly it’s difficult to see anybody stopping him again. Renault may be the three-time constructor champion but they are putting their eggs into Formula 1 with Nissan due to take over as part of the two companies’ partnership.

With new power limits, a new chassis and new batteries most teams are focusing on next season which should allow Di Grassi to continue his dominance.

However Sebastien Buemi (Renault) will continue to battle hard for the title whilst last season’s rookie sensation Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra) will be looking to build on a impressive debut campaign.

DS Virgin Racing are now an all-British team with Alex Lynn joining Sam Bird and there’s an argument they have the most exciting line-up on the grid, although Mahindra may have something to say about that.

Bird won both races at the New York double header last season, with Lynn also shining in a cameo, and there’s a real belief that this team has the potential to challenge. However they may be hampered by drivetrain issues that may leave them waiting for next year.

The other British representative is Oliver Turvey at NIO. With six top-ten placements last year he’ll be hoping to push up and challenge some of the favourites.

This season marks the beginning of a three-year broadcast partnership between Eurosport and Formula E that sees Eurosport become the “Home of Formula E.”

Eurosport will be showing Formula E live on Eurosport and the Eurosport Player as well as showing highlights shows. You can check the Eurosport TV guide for timings.

Aside from the fact that the data obtained in Formula E is being put towards research for more sustainable cars Formula E is incredible exciting.

Because of the low emissions Formula E races take place in the heart of cities. That means lots of tight tracks that produce tense races. The drivers are far more aggressive than in other Motorsports and as such there plenty of thrills and spills.

There’s also intense rivalry between the drivers, with regular spats both on and off the track.

Above all else Formula E is growing incredibly fast, from innovative ideas such as #FanBoost, a special social media campaign that can see a driver get a temporary speed boost in a race, to new companies such as BMW and Mercedes preparing to enter.

Drivers have to stay on their toes in terms of balancing acceleration with remaining power and the races are short, sharp and hectic.

Oh and there's cool stuff like this happening...