Karun Chandhok says Formula E car 'intriguing'

Mahindra Formula E driver Karun Chandhok labelled the new all-electric racer "intriguing" after his first experience of the car at Donington Park this week.

Chandhok shared the car with team-mate Bruno Senna, and following some early teething troubles completed its shakedown despite wet weather conditions.

"It was a very interesting day," said Chandhok. "Driving a new car is always exciting but driving something so different made it really intriguing.

"It felt a bit weird in the cockpit, like driving on mute! After you get out of second gear all you can hear is wind noise as the car speeds up.

"We did use the qualifying mode, and the push-to-pass, and it was pretty good. You get a real push out of the corners, maybe quicker than a Formula 3 car, because you've got all that torque.

"It's clear this series is going to be about strategy and intelligence rather than just pure driving speed.

"You could get some real hare versus tortoise strategies, and I'd say there's maybe a three to four second difference in laptime delta, so you could save battery while waiting for free air to then drive quickly.

"With the energy recovery systems and battery life you will have to think about strategy all the time.

"I think the fans are going to be impressed when they see all the cars on track."

The next Formula E test takes place at Donington at the beginning of July.