New track!!
Hot on the heels of our Diriyah E-Prix release and sizeable Formula E content updates that dropped for the sim earlier this month, we are delighted to today offer another brand-new Formula E location to rFactor 2 – The Rome E-Prix!
A beautiful city and firm favourite of the well-travelled tourist, Rome is without doubt one of the most spectacular places in the world in which to visit – and should you find yourself in that part of Italy during a Formula E race weekend, you will be presented with a suitably dramatic venue to enjoy the drama of top level electric single-seater racing up close and personal. If spectating isn’t your thing, and you would rather experience the thrills for yourself, but you haven’t quite acquired the CV for a drive in the real series, then worry not dear reader – Studio 397 have you covered with the release of laser-scanned virtual recreation of this outstanding street circuit venue.
Rome E-Prix | Steam Store: Click HERE.
The Rome E-Prix Circuit clocks in at a little over 2.860 km in length, giving this particular layout the distinction of being the longest lap in the history of Formula E racing. The cars begin their journey from the start/finish line located on the Via Cristoforo Colombo, before winding their way through the beautiful streets around the Obelisco di Marconi, against the backdrop of the iconic Colosseo Quadrato. Consisting of 21 turns, the Rome E-Prix circuit is another fine example of how to mix many high speed sections with tight and complex sequences of corners, with a few 90 degree hairpins offering prime overtaking opportunities thrown into the mix for good measure.
Undulations are another variable that drivers will have to take into account on this new track, as several key corners are approached downhill and will require a delicate feel for braking input, not to mention the ability to adjust driving styles and techniques over the course of the race to account for changing track and tyre conditions, aligned with plenty of incredibly fast sections of circuit that require the driver to employ a laser-like focus as they thread the needle of pushing a Gen2 Formula E car between the unforgiving barriers that line this visually stunning venue.
A firm command of braking technique should make the difference between a fast lap or certain disaster here at the Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR, with many of the 21 turns approached at high speed and often as part of an undulating piece of tarmac. The downhill slalom into the opening Viale dell’Industria section of corners represent a key example of where technical braking and a feel for car balance will be crucial to ensure drivers can both navigate this opening foray onto the circuit quickly, whilst keeping the car firmly under control and stable into the heavy deceleration zone for the tight left of turn three, and the following run up the Via della Tre Fontane.
Formula E Bundle | Steam Store: Click HERE.
Of course, the Rome E-Prix is a traditional Formula E circuit at its core, in the fact that the track is located very much in the heart of the surrounding city, so expect to see several historic and beautiful landmarks as you push to secure a competitive lap around this 2.103 mile circuit. In order to really bring the city street racing experience to life for our rFactor 2 players, our track team here at Studio 397 have worked exceptionally hard to accurately recreate many landmarks and distinguishing features in and around the Rome E-Prix track, so if you tire of pushing for those final few tenths of a second, take a moment to have a gentle cruise through the track and admire the beautiful scenery of what must be one of the more visually stunning venues on the Formula E calendar in recent years.
As with the real world ABB Formula E FIA World Championship, our Rome E-Prix circuit includes the exclusive ‘Attack Zone’ feature that plays a crucial role in the real world racing season. Allowing drivers the opportunity to gain additional performance for a set duration of time during the race by activating ‘Attack Mode’ and passing through the designated Attack Zone area on the circuit, this feature will be even more critical on the Rome E-Prix track, thanks to the many fast, swooping downhill sections that really allow a Formula E car to stretch its legs and edge towards its ultimate potential.
Don’t forget, the Rome E-Prix is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of Formula E content within rFactor 2. Players eager to find out what electric open wheel racing has to offer can sample both the original ‘Gen1’ car the current ‘Gen2’ machine, plus a great selection of circuits the likes of New York City, Monaco, Berlin and Hong Kong E-Prix – plus of course the brand new Diriyah E-Prix released earlier this month.
Diriyah E-Prix | Steam Store: Click Here.
The Rome E-Prix Circuit is available to purchase in rFactor 2 now.
