Monaco E-Prix: an innovative and interactive discipline that attracted the public and celebrities this Saturday

A double dose seems to be the dosage required for Formula E in the Principality! After seven editions rich in spectacles on the track and increasingly crowded grandstands, ABB Formula E and the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) have taken the gamble of organizing two E-Prix this year in Monaco.

And this Saturday, the crowd was there for Act I, won by Nissan and the world championship leader, Oliver Rowland (read page 31) .

A test to be converted this Sunday during an act II where the popularity of the meeting will also be measured by the personalities who tread the starting grid.

Idris Elba: "I can't wait to play my role"

This Saturday, it was the British actor Idris Elba ( The Wire, Luther, Thor… ) who attracted the most cameras, notably during his long discussion before the start with the young prodigy of the Cupra Kiro team, Daniel Ticktum.

Because Idris Elba has been fully invested in Formula E since this season, a discipline he discovered in 2018 during the Paris E-Prix.

“Formula E sits at the perfect intersection, blending global sport and entertainment with sustainability. I am proud to join the grid with Cupra Kiro at this pivotal moment. The team’s vision for the future, its desire to innovate, and its commitment to excellence resonate with me on a deep, personal level, and I look forward to playing my part in its journey to the front of the grid.”

Having been knocked out in the last 16 of the Madrid tournament last Tuesday, tennis player Alexander Zverev, world number 2, also praised the "innovation" of the sport on TV just minutes before the start.

Among the other "celebrities" seen, the British actors Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter saga), David Harewood ( Supergirl, Homeland, Sherwood, Blood Diamond ), Ellie Bamber (Wilow) and Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris) , the musician and composer Jamie XX (from the electro group The XX), the English rapper Bugzy Malone accompanied by Zol Geraghty, the model David Gandy and the cyclist Chris Froome.

A gripping race

The interactive and action-packed race was also a hit with the spectators. The first round of applause echoed in recognition of the work of the ACM stewards on the 10th lap, who were forced to remove the car of the 2021 winner, Portugal's António Félix da Costa, who crashed at the Rascasse corner.

As soon as the race resumed, it was the battle of wills between Taylor Barnard and Oliver Rowland, at the head of the race, which brought the crowd to their feet.

A lively race during which the commentators play a valuable role as scouts to explain the subtleties of the "attack" mode or the "pit boost" [the only obligatory pit stop to charge 10% of additional batteries in 30 seconds, editor's note] .

A strategy game that brought the final part of the race to life, thanks in particular to driver Nyck de Vries, who ultimately finished second thanks to a clever "attack" mode. We want more!

The Fan Village is open free of charge (even without a ticket) to the public this Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the Quai Antoine-I ^er .

On the program: gaming area with E-sports simulator, "Hold Tight" strength challenge, big screen, DJ set, creative and fun activities for the little ones with face painting and painting, official store.