Special feature: Formula One can learn from Formula E

(Sauber F1 Team)

Formula One may be off this weekend however another form of motor racing made its debut on the world stage as Formula E a series run entirely on electric power made its official debut on the streets of Beijing with ten teams competing with ex Formula One stars on grid and big names involved in the team's like former F1 champion Alain Prost and American team Andretti Autosport involved in the series.

Formula One can learn a lot from the new category of motor racing. For one, Formula E gets fans actively involved in the action as they can vote to give their favourite driver a five second power boost during the race by voting on the official FIA Formula E website prior to the start of each race. The top three driver's who receive the most number of votes will be given the boost. It is known as 'FanBoost'.

Formula One is known for introducing innovation however Formula E have really stolen a march on the 'pinnacle of motorsport' as it is a fantastic way to fans involved with the sport.

It has been suggested recently that Formula One should open up its doors to become more fan friendly by giving them the chance to go behind the scene's in the paddock with garage tours that are not just reserved for celebrities.

Formula One does open the pit-lane to fans on the Thursday before a Grand Prix however due to the fact that it is so crowded fans don't get the chance to get up close to the racing cars. Teams do their best to give fans the opportunity to visit the garages through various online competitions but the sport needs to find a way to improve things for fans. The racing as this year has shown does not need to be changed but it is necessary for the sport to give fans greater access to what goes on behind the scene's by being more accessible to fans.

Formula One teams do a fantastic job on social media such as Twitter and Facebook as they all have a presence on this media platform and this is absolutely essential and plays a crucial role sd it allows fans to interact with their favourite teams.

It would be very easy for Formula One to come up with an idea like 'FanBoost' but of course it would have to be a completely new concept of fan interaction as they can not and should not copy the idea from Formula E.

© Ben Johnston 2014