Business / Auto China

E-racing may change shape of transport

By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily) Updated: 2014-04-21 06:56

(From left) Team China Racing CEO Steven Lu, Chairman Liu Yu, FIA President Jean Todt, Chinese Embassy First Secretary Liang Jiansheng, and Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag at the launch of Team China Racing in Paris on Feb 27, 2013. Provided to China Daily

Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the latest form of motor racing, something that promises to be electrifying for all concerned.

The first installment will take place on Sept 13 in downtown Beijing, a venue that could not be more appropriate for the occasion.

This is the Formula E Championship, a new Federation of International Automobile racing event using fully electric single-seat cars.

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In the inaugural grand prix, one in a 10-city world series to be held over the following 10 months, spectators will be able to see 10 teams, each with two drivers, compete in cars powered by the latest battery technology.

Other venues include Berlin, Buenos Aires, London, Los Angeles, Putrajaya in Malaysia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, says the zero emissions racing will reshape traditional motor racing and promote sustainability and environmental protection globally.

"We felt that in motor sport there was a need for more sustainable development," Agag says.

"Motor sport is linked to environmental issues. We thought that setting up a championship of new technology with full electric power would be useful in fighting pollution."

Beijing makes a good showcase for such technology, having gained worldwide notoriety as one of the world's most-polluted cities.

"We know the Chinese authorities are trying to tackle the problem," Agag says. "We think electric cars are part of the solution. Starting in Beijing sends a strong message in favor of sustainability and clean mobility, which supports the fight against pollution."

To ensure maximum public appeal for the event in China, the organizers have included a Chinese team. It will soon name its two drivers.