De Vries: Formula E the best step for my career
- Published on 12 Sep 2019 10:22
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Nyck de Vries believes that racing in the upcoming season of the FIA Formula E championship is the best move for his career.
Mercedes confirmed on Wednesday that the Dutchman will partner Stoffel Vandoorne at the team as it enters its first season in the all-electric category.
De Vries is currently leading the Formula 2 championship with two rounds remaining in Russia and Abu Dhabi, boasting a 59 point lead over second-place Nicholas Latifi.
Although he is now favourite to pick up the title, de Vries insists that "nothing is done before it is done", but that the situation "looks good and hopefully I'll win it".
De Vries says that his deal to race for Mercedes in the sixth season of Formula E all came about recently, as he started simulator work for the German manufacturer in January.
"It's all been quite recent, it has only recently become final," de Vries told GPToday.net. "Since January, I've done simulator work for Mercedes and then our relationship got better, which resulted in this.
"After Monaco I had the first conversations and then this came, but in the meantime I have focused on Formula 2, because that is the only way to secure my future.
"I tested a while ago and yesterday I tested in Mallorca. It was not the first time in a Formula E car for me. Of course, it takes some getting used to, the car has no downforce and the biggest difference is that it has a battery and no fuel.
"It's all very challenging in Formula E. Of course, you race in big cities with circuits that are very bumpy and have little grip."
Formula 1 remains the dream for de Vries
Despite his confirmation into the Formula E category, de Vries says that his goal still remains Formula 1, and racing in FE is the best way to achieve his dream.
"I think this is the best step in my career at the moment. I don't know what the future will bring, but times are changing fast in this world."
Of course, it's no secret that I'm still dreaming of a Formula 1 seat, but at the moment this is the best step," the 24-year-old added.
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Replies (5)
Login to replyJuJuHound
Posts: 352
Being at the top of the F2 table and moving to FE is not the best move but good enough to not lose everything when F1 is not waiting foor him.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
don't know what is a better option for him to be honest
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Eeeuuugh, I dunno. It is at the very least something to do. But I feel FE won't truly shake that status as the cemetary of former or speculated F1 drivers.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
I think as the technology gets better it might even surpass F1 if they can do full race distances at F1 tracks.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I actually feel bad for De Vries. Even though I remain unconvinced that be is too talent. FE is not a top category. Yes, it has the bells and whistles, but the cars and tracks are trash. Competing there does not prepare you to compete in other categories because it's so much slower. It seems terrible that we don't have any proper alternatives to F1. I actually think that F2 shouldn't be just for rookies, but rather a proper category. I'd definitely watch more. Their races are very good. Great sound, tracks, sponsorships. Definitely easier to watch than WEC or FE.