This weekend, Melbourne is playing host to the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024. To kick off the event in style, Aussie-own Red Bull Racing driver, Daniel Ricciardo cut some laps around the Albert Park Circuit.
This drive was particularly of note as Danny Ric piloted the ridiculous 2,000hp SuperVan 4.2 from Ford Performance, an all-electric demonstrator. Ricciardo’s internationally famous big smile was on display as he stepped out from his electric drive.
The striking van has a bright blue livery and over the last month has been making headlines in Australia, participating in events at Bathurst’s Mount Panorama and at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
During its time Down Under, the SuperVan 4.2 became the fastest-ever closed-wheel vehicle, electric vehicle, and commercial vehicle to lap Mount Panorama at Bathurst with a lap time of 1:56.3247. The van achieved this, despite being very different from a traditional race car – it’s an all-electric vehicle based on the Ford E-Transit.
The SuperVan 4.2’s ground-breaking performance in Australia is part of Ford Performance’s EV Demonstrator program, designed to develop technology for transfer to future road cars. Motor racing offers the challenging conditions needed to test and validate parts and technology, with learnings being eventually passed down to EVs customers can buy from Ford dealers.
In Australia, where performance cars are in incredible demand, these EV demonstrators also offer the opportunity to further test vehicles that Ford knows Aussies want, pushing the performance and capability not only to meet customer expectations but to exceed them.
Let’s hope there’s a time in the future when an EV racing category can support the Australian round of the Formula One event in Melbourne, and one day, we see Formula E round come down under.
Now for the gallery of photos from the event.
