Dan Ticktum leads Formula E’s Goodwood effort, driving the new Gen4 on the hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The aim is to showcase pace and threaten the record.

Heidfeld’s 41.6s benchmark dates to 1999 in McLaren’s MP4/13. Formula E brings every generation to Goodwood, underlining rapid development since its debut season.

An official record attempt is unconfirmed, though speculation grew after Shanghai and has intensified here. The outright record is 39.08s, set by Max Chilton’s McMurtry Spéirling in 2021.

Speaking on the broadcast, Ticktum mixed humour with intent. He highlighted four-wheel drive for the tight course and admitted his opening runs doubled as first laps here.

“It’s quite tight,” he said, promising full commitment if the chance arises. He will build speed across several runs before Sunday’s timed shootout.

Gen4 marks a significant hardware step. It delivers 815 bhp, 0–60 mph in 1.8 seconds, and 210 mph top speed, suiting short, traction-limited climbs.

Goodwood running uses slicks, unlike the grooved Bridgestone tyres mandated for the next two seasons. That stresses demonstration value over direct race-spec comparability.

Ticktum will only escalate if early passes show proximity to 41.6s. The hill rewards traction and commitment, but limited course knowledge still argues for measured risk.

For Formula E, Goodwood is a global shop window, reinforcing momentum from recent returns to venues, including Brands Hatch. The Gen4 showcase complements a multi-year technology narrative.

The weekend also broadens visibility ahead of future updates to the championship calendar. Whatever the time, data and exposure remain valuable deliverables for teams and promoters.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.