The Formula E paddock contains a lot of experienced racing personalities, on and off track. Dario Franchitti is one of them. Editor Andrea Perilli caught up with the Scot to find out more about how he feels the series is developing.

It usually takes time for something new and innovative to gain general acceptance. In motorsports, particularly, fans often seem reluctant to welcome new series which depart from the loud, internal-combustion engine cars, to bring the public something ground-breaking.

Such was the case with Formula E. In its first season, the series received lots of criticism from fans and people within the industry. Yet, the fully-electric championship went on, and almost four years later, it is ranked as one of the most competitive and best regarded series in the racing scene.

“I think the growth has impressed me the most”, says Dario Franchitti honestly. The IndyCar legend has been involved in the series from the commentary box since day one; and has seen first-hand the evolution it has had.

“We are now in Season 4 and when you look back at some of the earlier races, like the Season 1 here, it was very early in the season”, he comments as we stand in the Punta del Este ePrix TV compound, with everyone getting ready ahead of Formula E’s third race in the beachside resort.

“So when you look at that and see how the series have changed in terms of fan interest and manufacturer interest, the driver, team, and competition level; it’s really incredible, and maybe not something I expected, to be honest”.

The Scot, along with England’s Jack Nicholls and Nicki Shields, and USA’s Bob Varsha, are part of Formula E’s world feed commentary team, an unmistakable team which has been praised throughout the series’ history, as well as developing a fantastic fan engagement.

“I think people’s perception has changed quite a lot. For anybody who is a ‘traditional’ racing fan, it was a shock having a series with no internal combustion engine sound, but I think now everybody has maybe got used to it and a lot of people love it”.

With Season 5 shaping up to be a significant step forward for Formula E and electric racing itself, Franchitti is certain that Formula E occupies an important place in the racing world. “It’s definitely earned its place in the framework of all racing. Just look at the interest from the manufacturers that are coming on board; I think it’s getting the attention of a lot of people”.

As a racer himself, Dario understands what drivers think of the Formula E cars. “I think the cars are very difficult to drive. You talk to any of the drivers and they say that it’s a real challenge to master the car over one lap, and then to understand how to race one, with energy management and everything. I think it’s not easy”.

“Look at the grid, look at the type of drivers that are on the grid. I think even some guys who dismissed earlier and now are on the grid enjoying a lot”, he adds.