FIA’s Formula E says that this “stunning new film” will further enhance its reputation as the most innovative series in motorsport. We just hope it will stick to racing, and nothing else, after this stunt.
But before you go imagining back-flipping stuntman on every corner, the racing series teamed up with free-runner, gymnast and stunt performer, Damien Walters, only to carry out a daredevilish performance.
Walters, who has worked as a stunt double for Daniel Craig (Skyfall) and Michael Fassbender (Assassin’s Creed), accepted the challenge to become the first person to ever carry out a blind car-dodge, turning his back on a fast-approaching Formula E car and then performing a back-flip over it at the last second.
The feat was carried out in Mexico City last month, with a team of highly-trained stunt experts, meticulously planning and calculating exactly when Damien needs to jump.
With the E car maintaining a constant speed of 97 Km/h (60 Mph) on the straight, a laser timing unit was used to set off a clock on a digital display that Damien could see. 6.6 seconds wash the crucial point at which he would need to perform jump without risking any injuries.
“I’ve done loads of dangerous stunts in my career, but I’ve got to admit that I’ve never been as nervous as I was for this one. I’m thrilled with how it worked out though, and it’s a credit to Formula E that they gave us the opportunity to do something so dramatic!”, Damien Walters said.