It seems like it is the stunt
season everywhere. This one, by far, looks like the best. World-renowned
stuntman, Damien Walters, actually back flipped over a Formula E car racing at
a speed of around 97kmph. This was done for a stunning new film. The FIA
Formula E Championship new film shows this world-renowned stuntman, free-runner
and gymnast, becoming the first person to ever carry out a blind car-dodge, as
he stands with his back to an approaching Formula E car and then backflips over
it at the very last second.
Walters, who has worked as a
stunt double for the likes of Daniel Craig (Skyfall) and Michael Fassbender
(Assassin’s Creed), and experienced stunt driver Alistair Whitton (The Dark
Knight, Dark Knight Rises, Skyfall, and Jason Bourne), carried out the stunt in
Mexico City last month with a team of 60, including highly-trained stunt
experts, safety professionals, and a crew of 30, who captured the film with
three track camera teams, plus drone aerials, GoPros and a 360- camera onboard
the Formula E car.
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said:
“Formula E is an innovative race series and we like to associate ourselves with
other forward-thinking, ground-breaking activities, so we’re very excited to
have worked with Damien and the team to create this film.” Damien Walters said:
“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!”
The team spent two days
planning and rehearsing on the empty track, calculating exactly when Damien
needed to jump, practising the stunt in an offset position, with the car
driving past Damien rather than at him. With the Formula E car maintaining a
constant speed of 97kph (60mph) throughout its journey, a laser timing unit was
used to set off a clock on a digital display that Damien could see. The team
identified 6.6 seconds as the crucial point at which Damien would need to jump.
Jump too early and he would hit the back of the car with his head, jump too
late and it would hit his legs.
The film shows the team’s
meticulous preparation, guided by driving coach, Bruno Correia, as they plan
for the stunt, as well as the nerve-shredding moment that Damien actually makes
the jump. Viewers can also watch a fascinating behind-the-scenes video, filmed
in 360 degrees. A few words of caution
for all viewers: Please do not even try to attempt this anywhere, anytime because
it is extremely dangerous doing such stunts. The ones handling this stunt in
this film are thorough professionals with lots of years of experience and
training!
Meanwhile, Formula E arrives
in Paris for April 23 ePrix, with Lucas di Grassi (101 points) and Sebastien Buemi
(100 points) neck and neck at the top of the standings. Britain’s Sam Bird is
in third place on 71 points. The season concludes in London with a
double-header in Battersea Park on July 2
& 3, 2016