Q&A: Edo Looks Ahead to Pre-Season Testing

Hear from Edoardo Mortara as the Swiss-Italian gears up for his fourth season in Formula E…

The impending campaign will mark your fourth season in Formula E. What is it about the championship that makes you want to race in it?

“The 2020/21 season will be my fourth with ROKiT Venturi Racing and as one of the smallest teams on the grid, my aim is always to take the fight to the big boys and be competitive at the front. I’m hoping we’ll be able to do this in Season 7, but even then, the challenges that Formula E presents makes it a very interesting and rewarding championship to race in. We have to manage so many aspects of the car, but on top of that, we’re also racing with a strong message by promoting and developing electric vehicles to counteract climate change. For me, this is quite important because we are competing for a purpose.”

How have you prepared for testing and what are your expectations for Valencia?

“When we finished Season 6 in August, our first objective was to go through all of the races and the problems we faced. Once we understood those problems, we began searching for solutions which we have tested in the simulator and then applied to the car so we can, hopefully, be in a better position for Season 7. It always appears that the off-season is a long period of time but the process of improving the car is actually very time-consuming because we need to make sure that the changes we make are correct. Valencia marks our only collective test with the other teams before the season starts so we’ll be able to judge our performance compared to the others there.”

What are your objectives for your fourth season with ROKiT Venturi Racing?

“It’s difficult for me to set objectives before the season has started because our goals will be influenced by how competitive we will be. At the moment, because of COVID-19, we are facing a very tough situation that’s still unfolding and I hope that we will be able to race as soon as possible. Once we complete testing though, I hope that we will be very competitive in the first races in Santiago so we can start the season in a strong fashion.”

What are you most looking forward to in Season 7?

“I’m looking forward to just racing again and hopefully having some fans at events. For us drivers, when we’re not racing it can be boring and I’m pretty sure that the fans will feel the same. When we compete, we do it for the fans and I think it’s important not to forget that. I’m in the place I am right now because of them and I always try to remember that every time I go to the track and whenever I get the chance to meet them. I can’t wait to get back out there so I can do what I love.”‍

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How will your existing relationship with Norman aid the team?

“I’m really looking forward to working with Norman for Season 7. I’ve known him since karting and because he’s always at the team workshop and in the paddock, he’s become a very familiar face. Whenever we’re in Monaco, we play paddle tennis together and we’re usually on the same side. You could say that we already have that team-mate relationship. Together, I think we’ll be able to work well and I don’t have any doubts that we’ll be able to do a good job for the team.”