As F1 bosses celebrate the latest viewer numbers and wax lyrical about "the fans", Formula E gains the upper hand by giving fans a unique 'driver's eye' live view of the action.

For the all-electric series is putting fans in the driving seat and giving viewers a glimpse of what it's like to sit behind the steering wheel, with the introduction of 'Driver's Eye' - an innovative new camera connected to the inside of the helmet.

The pioneering camera technology pushes the boundaries of what's possible in sports broadcasting, by transmitting live footage from behind the visor direct to television screens, which a world's first in any category of FIA-sanctioned single-seater racing.

Showcased fully for the first time in Santiago, the Driver's Eye camera angle adds an immersive element to the viewing experience and enables fans to feel every bump and brush against the wall around the tight and twisty city-centre circuits.

The FIA homologated device is perfectly positioned on the protective padding inside the lining of the helmet and sits exactly at the eye level of the driver.

The Driver's Eye camera is 8 millimetres in diameter and weighs just 2.5 grams, taking many months of research together with the FIA and the teams in order to fine-tune the finishing product ready for race conditions.

"I think it is cool how Driver's Eye shows fans exactly what I am seeing during a race in real time," said Felipe Massa. "It gives the viewers insight into the tight and challenging city-centre circuits that we race on in Formula E and it demonstrates what drivers need to manage and control over the course of a race.

"I like tech like this, that brings fans even closer to the action," he added. "Driver's Eye is a great way to show the work that goes on behind the wheel."

"When you speak to Formula E drivers, the first thing they highlight is the thrill and challenge of driving on city circuits," said Sebastian Tiffert, the series editorial and digital director. "Driver's Eye provides a new perspective from inside the helmet in live race conditions, showing the skill it takes to thread the car between the walls while processing data and communicating with the team at speed. Driver's Eye adds a unique dimension to the viewing experience and the innovative camera technology immerses fans in wheel-to-wheel racing.

"We are delighted to bring our fans closer to the drivers' sensory experience and their engagement with Driver's Eye content across social media demonstrates the value of innovations core to the ABB FIA Formula E Championship."

Picture Credit: - Courtesy of Formula E

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by ClarkwasGod, 29/01/2020 14:28

"WEC have had this for a while (inside the cockpit). I find a helmet cam can give a viewer a feeling a bit like sea-sickness, with the movement. And I always get the impression that all articles I read about FE are little more than pieces "bigging up" the series. I'm not a fan, from the few races I've watched - all too artificial for me."

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2. Posted by Exam Dumps 2020, 28/01/2020 18:38 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 28/01/2020 18:42)

"This comment was removed by an administrator as it was judged to have broken the site's posting rules and etiquette."

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3. Posted by MarkF1, 27/01/2020 17:39

"I hope this reaches F1. I would also like to see the same camera set up they have in Indy Car where the camera on rollover hoop can record from any angle. "

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4. Posted by Wokingchap, 24/01/2020 13:14

"Brilliant, and about time, love it.
I hope they do this in F1, but perhaps they don't want us to see what they are doing on the steering wheel...
TeamCheat (those in red) certainly won't want it."

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5. Posted by Mambo, 24/01/2020 13:00

"Odd how the pic you've been sent makes it look as if the view is from inside a tin-top."

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6. Posted by TokyoAussie, 24/01/2020 3:29

"But Formula-E also has fan's favourites who receive an extra bit of power by viewer voting. That's crap. It is an interesting series, though."

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A great fan initiative from Formula E

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