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History in the making as FIA’s new Formula E championship gets underway

Beijing ePrix, was held on a spectacular temporary race track built around the city’s iconic Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium.

Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT

Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT

John Rowley

Race winner Lucas di Grassi with Hans-Jürgen Abt
Jarno Trulli, Trulli
Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing
Jarno Trulli, Trulli
Jarno Trulli, Trulli
Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT
Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT
Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing
Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing
Sebastien Buemi, e.dams-Renault

History was made today as the world’s first ever fully-electric single-seater race took place in Beijing, marking the season opener of the FIA Formula E Championship.

Formula E is the FIA’s new fully-electric single-seater championship designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans. Competing entirely on city-centre circuits all over the world, it uses cars capable of speeds in excess of 150mph (225kph).

We truly believe this weekend marks a new era of motorsport that embraces sustainable mobility...

Alejandro Agag

Its 10 teams feature some of the leading international names in motorsport including Alain Prost and Michael Andretti, along with high-profile environmental supporters including Sir Richard Branson and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Meanwhile, it’s driver-line up boasts an array of former Formula One stars such as Jarno Trulli, Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Lucas di Grassi and Bruno Senna.

The race, or Beijing ePrix, was held on a spectacular temporary race track built around the city’s iconic Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium.

Organisers hope the new series will also help increase the interest in electric vehicles and promote sustainability, as well as accelerate the technology available which, over time, will filter into the road-going electric vehicle market.

Jean Todt said: “Today’s first FE race is a historic moment for the FIA, for motor sport and also for the future of the electric car. Motor sport has always been a driver of innovation, and as the world’s first fully electric racing championship, FE will follow that tradition and accelerate the development of electric vehicles. We are proud to take our place at the forefront of this revolution as teams imagine, test and then use new technology to be the quickest on track. I would like to thank all who have worked so hard to make the exciting vision of electric racing in city centres a reality. ”.

Alejandro Agag said: “Two years ago the FIA had a vision of creating a championship which has close racing, entertainment and sustainability at its heart. We truly believe this weekend marks a new era of motorsport that embraces sustainable mobility and we are incredibly grateful to all our investors, teams, drivers, partners, event operators, personnel, and of course the FIA, for helping us make this such a success.

The success of Formula E has attracted many top global partners including the likes of Michelin and Renault, both leaders in their field, with Renault providing the expertise behind the Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car.

FIA Formula E

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