FIA approves Formula E series to take place in the near future – Formula 1 news
FIA approves Formula E and with the agreement to licence the commercial rights of the FIA Formula E championship to a consortium of international investors.
The idea of having an alternative to Formula 1 a more efficient and environment friendly version of the sport came after the world was hit by the economic downturn.
FIA Jean Todt has signed a deal with Addax GP2 and GP3 team owner Alejandro Agag. The deal also includes some other Hong Kong based investors.
It will be a single-seater series based mainly on the lines of Formula 1 with different car specs obviously the cars will be running on lithium batteries and electric energy. The cars will reach speeds of 220 km/h. The drivers will have to switch cars during
mid-race pit-stops because the batteries will run out after 25 minutes.
Pirelli test driver and former Virgin Racing team driver Lucas di Grassi is also involved with the Formula E series and plans to be a test driver.
Rio de Janeiro will be holding one race and others will be ideally staged in the heart of world’s leading cities around their main landmarks according to FIA.
Financial Times said that the series aims to draw competitors from traditional F1 teams, electric car companies and global brands.
“We don’t expect the big carmakers to step into Formula E in the beginning,” said chief executive Agag. “The industry is not too familiar with electric racing. But I am sure they will come in [at] a second stage.”
Talking about the series Todt said, “I would like to thank all the parties involved. This new competition at the heart of major cities is certain to attract a new audience. We are pleased with this agreement with Formula E Holdings as they bring a very strong
experience in motor sport. This spectacular series will offer both entertainment and a new opportunity to share the FIA values and objectives of clean energy, mobility and sustainability with a wider and younger audience as well.”
It is going to be an interesting series and how the F1 fans react to it will also be very crucial for the growth of the sport.
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