International racing driver and commentator Naomi Schiff says that the inaugural ABB FIA Formula E Cape Town E-Prix is a long-overdue opportunity for South African motorsport fans.
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Schiff, who has joined the Formula E punditry team and will commentate at the Cape Town E-Prix, said at a press conference this week that ticket holders can expect an exceptional racing spectacle in the Mother City on 25 February.
Born in Belgium to a Belgian father and Rwandan mother, Schiff spent much of her childhood in South Africa and completed her school career in Johannesburg. She’s subsequently achieved international fame as a driver in Formula 1’s W Series as well as an F1 analyst on Sky Sports.
“I started racing in South Africa in 2006/07 when I was about 11 years old, and the motorsport culture in the country is so real. As much as the country has its own motorsport championships, I think it’s great to get the international light shone on South Africa from a racing perspective,” she said.
“Getting FE here is a great step in the right direction; it’s such a great event. South African motorsport fans definitely deserve to attend these events on local soil.”
Schiff said that despite being a petrolhead at heart, Formula E has been successful in growing the popularity of the sport and attracting participants, sponsors, and fans – and that it could exist in its own space alongside Formula 1.
“I initially wasn’t a big fan of racing electric vehicles, but it’s the way society is going because we have to save our planet. And the Generation 3 cars are spectacular, racing for up to 45 minutes at 300 kilometres per hour.”
In response to questions about female participation in a particularly male-dominated sport, Schiff stated that, while there are a growing number of initiatives aimed at developing and supporting female talent, she hoped that, in the end, there would be a single Formula E championship for both sexes.
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“While it’s a good thing that the W Series exists, and Formula 1 has launched their F1 academy, and Extreme E has a female and male driver in the cockpit, and there’s a general conversation about supporting female talent in motorsport… I fully believe women can race equally against men, particularly in a sport like Formula E where the physical barriers don’t make such a difference. I would like to see one of these women in the cockpit, and not necessarily in a separate competition.”
Giving an update on readiness, race promoter E-Movement’s Iain Banner said that with a third of grandstand seats now constructed, the event was well and truly on track.
“We’ve been swimming against a tide of negativity because of the disappointment around F1 not coming. People didn’t believe we were going to deliver FE. People can now see that it’s real. We are super-excited that South Africans will finally get to experience a motorsport event of this scale,” said Banner.
In line with this sentiment, Schiff adds that, aside from sparking conversations about important issues like clean energy and sustainability, Formula E was simply a must-see event for motorsport fans.
“From what I can see, I can’t think of a better location. But it’s also potentially the fastest layout Formula E has ever seen, so that’s going to be exciting—especially given the fact that the cars have evolved. The Gen 3 cars are lighter, more efficient, and therefore a lot quicker, and it’s going to make for some really good racing.”
And for Schiff, the trip to South Africa is also a personal one.
“I’m so excited about coming to South Africa. I started my racing career in the country, and I have fond memories of Cape Town. I also get to see my dad. It’s going to be my first Formula E event I’m working on, and what better place for it to happen?”
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Picture: Supplied
