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Formula E: Behind the scenes at the Buenos Aires ePrix
02:00 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Commentators thrilled by Formula E

"Exciting and unpredictable," says Nicholls

"It's a challenge" says IndyCar legend Franchitti

CNN  — 

Formula E may only be in its second season, but the all-electric racing series is fast attracting a global fan base.

Nine teams are competing in the 11-race championship, which takes place on the streets of some of the world’s most iconic cities, including Beijing, Paris and most recently Buenos Aires.

Motorsport aficionado Jack Nicholls and IndyCar legend Dario Franchitti are the commentating duo charged with describing the frantic action to millions of viewers around the world.

The inaugural championship was reportedly more popular than Formula One in North America, while the first three races of 2015-16 attracted 56 million worldwide TV viewers and 1.45 billion social media impressions.

With practice, qualifying and the race all taking place on the same day – in Formula One this takes place over three days – Formula E keeps you guessing says Nicholls, who has commentated on both sports.

“I love the excitement and unpredictability of Formula E,” Nicholls told CNN’s SuperCharged show presenter Nicki Shields.

He describes the dramatic opening race of the 2015-16 championship in Beijing in typical breathless style: “Oh my word, this is just bonkers!”

“Formula E is a guessing game,” Nicholls adds. “There’s not enough time to gather the data so it makes for some very exciting racing. F1 is chess at 200 mph whereas Formula E is dodgems at 100 mph.”

Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar Series champion, admits that he’s still getting up to speed after exchanging the cockpit for the commentary box.

“It’s not as easy as it seems,” Franchitti says. “For years, I’ve watched people commentating on races and said: ‘You’re doing that wrong!’

“Trying to do a good job, getting the nuances across to the fans watching – it’s a challenge and I’m definitely still learning.”

The race series, which resumes in Mexico on March 12, is finely poised: Renault e.Dams’ Sebastien Buemi leads the drivers’ championship by four points from ABT’s Lucas di Grassi after four rounds.

Britain’s Sam Bird moved into contention after winning this month’s Buenos Aires ePrix – the victory lifted the DS Virgin Racing driver up to third with 52 points, 28 points behind Buemi.

It’s hard, perhaps, to forecast what might happen in what is such an unpredictable race series, but Franchitti believes Buemi, who raced with F1 team Toro Rosso from 2009 to 2011, is the man to beat this season.

“He’s just been so dominant … his pace has been incredible.”

Who will win the 2015-16 title? Have your say on CNN Sport’s Facebook page

For more Formula E news, visit CNN’s motorsport section

2016 Formula E  Buenos Aires e-Prix, Argentina
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01:35 - Source: CNN