Sophia Flörsch: “I think this sends a very strong signal”

As a test and development driver for the new Opel Formula E team, Munich-based Sophia Flörsch has been involved in the German manufacturer’s entry into Formula E right from the start. In this short interview, she talks about her work on the GEN4 car, the challenges posed by new circuits and the significance of Opel’s entry for Formula E and German motorsport.

With several new circuits on the calendar, the teams are facing new challenges. What role does development work play in the run-up to such debuts?

“With new circuits, development work is extremely important because so much is decided even before the first real run these days. You have to understand every detail in the simulator, work closely with the engineers and work through the processes, set-up and energy management step by step. For me, that means specifically: I spend a great deal of time in the GEN4 simulator, work closely with the team on energy management and software issues, and contribute my input to ensure we take to the track with as mature a package as possible. Especially on new circuits, this work is crucial from the very first data package right through to the test session.”

Formula E is regarded as a platform for innovation. Which technological developments are currently exciting you the most?

“What excites me most of all is how complex and yet powerful the new generation of cars is. The GEN4 is a true high-performance car – with enormous power, all-wheel drive and a very exciting interplay of software, efficiency and performance. It’s precisely this blend of driving experience, technology and development work that makes Formula E so interesting to me at the moment. It’s also fascinating how we have to rethink everything: software development, energy recovery, energy strategy, simulator work – so much is decided before we even hit the track. This deep immersion in systems, data and processes is what makes the series so appealing to me.”

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With Opel, another German manufacturer is joining Formula E. In your view, what significance does this have for the series’ technological development and for German motorsport?

“I believe this sends a very strong signal. When a German manufacturer with such a rich motorsport history joins Formula E, it demonstrates just how technologically significant the series has become. For me, Opel’s entry is therefore more than just a new team on the grid – it’s a statement from a brand that’s taking the plunge into world championship-level electric motorsport. This means that another manufacturer is bringing its development resources, its engineers and its road car expertise to the series – this increases competition, drives GEN4 development forward and makes the platform even more relevant for the future. Being able to be part of this new works team as a German driver shows that, at Opel, talent development and high performance go hand in hand.”