Sports
Formula E season 10 finale in London: Has all-electric racing series lived up to hype?
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The lure of electrical innovation was still a long way off for ordinary road users when Formula E arrived on the scene 10 years ago.
“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” says ABT Cupra driver Di Grassi.
As of the end of June 2024, there are more than 1.145 million fully electric cars on UK roads.
When the series started, all teams were given the same Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, with F1 giants McLaren and Williams involved in developing the electric motors and batteries.
However, an early drawback was ‘range anxiety’, or the battery’s relatively short life. When a driver came into the pits during an E-Prix, for example, instead of changing tyres, they would have to jump out and swap over to a new, fully charged car.
“I think the technology continues to develop at a fast pace, no different from mobile phones: used to be a brick, now it’s on your wrist. The same trajectory of battery technology,” says McLaren chief Brown.
Another hurdle the sport had to navigate in its pursuit of new fans was speed. The first generation of car reached a top speed of 140mph – a long way off the 186mph reach of an F1 car in 2014.
The second model saw speeds increased to around 173mph – and mid-race swaps were dumped.
Now the current iteration, the ‘gen 3’ car, has upped the ante to 200mph thanks to a new front powertrain and faster charging capabilities.
“A great part of motorsport survives because motorsport is a laboratory for technologies,” says Di Grassi.
While the sport has consistently pushed the boundaries of electric racing, Di Grassi feels a Formula E car has the potential to go even quicker.
“Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” Di Grassi adds. “So for me, yes, with the performance of the car, there is a direct correlation to engaging the fans.”
Sports
Alex Robertson: Cardiff sign Manchester City midfielder
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Robertson is the nephew of former Cardiff player Gavin Rae, who spent four years with the capital club between 2007-11.
Robertson, who used to wear Bluebirds kit as a child, told the club website: “He [Rae] told me a lot of good things about the city and the club.
“Going forward in my career now, this feels like the right place to be. I’m buzzing. It’s been a few weeks coming. I’m so glad it is over the line.
“City have built a great squad for the upcoming season now and I want to be a part of that. The gaffer told me the way he likes to play and what he expects from his players.
“I feel I can learn a lot from him and the more senior players in our squad. I’m ready to go. I’ve got stronger over the last few months.”
Cardiff boss Erol Bulut said: “We’re delighted Alex is here.
“There were six other clubs that were in for him, which shows what a talent he is. We had a meeting 10 days ago and explained our goals for the club and for Alex. Our hopes and plans were aligned.
“Alex can deliver a lot. He’s got quality. He’s technically very good with a great work rate and can add to what we already have. We now have a great mix of youth and experience in the midfield.”
Sports
Olympics high-jump highlights: Injury scare for Murtaz Barshim
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Joint-defending high jump champion Murtaz Barshim puills up with injury during qualifying for the Paris 2024 final, with his fellow gold medallist Gianmarco Tamberi the first to check on his rival.
Follow the Olympics on BBC Sport.
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Sports
Paris 2024: Kellie Harrington has ‘no more mountains’ as double Olympic champion retires
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At Roland Garros, the home of French tennis that had been transformed into a boxing arena for Olympic finals, it was more akin to Dublin than Paris.
Before Harrington and Wenlu Yang of China had even entered Court Philippe-Chatrier, you could sense there was something special brewing.
Two fights earlier, Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who put aside noise surrounding her eligibility, guaranteed herself a medal and the atmosphere was electric.
But it was about to be dialled up to 11.
Zombie by the Cranberries blared out just before Harrington entered to a sea of colour and noise.
She was cool and methodical as she strode towards the ring. It was the walk of a champion.
Fifteen minutes later, her calm exterior was shattered as the result was drowned out by a crescendo of noise from the Irish support.
While those in the stands celebrated, Harrington fell to her knees before jumping into the arms of her coaching team and then dancing around the ring.
There was even singing ringside as the Irish party was shaping up to go on well into the Parisian night.
It was an outpouring of joy and elation. Both in the stands and the ring, it was pure pandemonium.
“It was amazing. I said to the coaches after: ‘Is there anything I won’t do?'” Harrington said.
“It was brilliant. The Irish are just great. I never expected anything like that. This is something I’m never going to forget, ever.”
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