Formula E joins forces with COP22 for Marrakesh (Morocco) ePrix

Marrakesh (Morocco) ePrix circuit

MARRAKESH, MOROCCO (October 17 2016) – Organizers of the FIA Formula E Championship have today announced that the world’s first fully-electric racing series will be an official partner of COP22 for the inaugural Marrakesh ePrix with the support of the high patronage of King Mohammad VI of Morocco.

The 22nd session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22), will take place in Marrakesh on November 7-18. The summit will take over the reins from COP21 during which historic progress was made in Paris last year.

It will focus on action items in order to achieve the priorities set in the Paris Agreement, especially related to adaptation, transparency, technology transfer, mitigation, capacity building and loss and damages – with notable guests including President of the United States Barack Obama, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The official sporting opening event of COP22 – the 2016 FIA Formula E Marrakesh ePrix, which takes place on November 12, will be the first time Formula E visits the continent of Africa and reflects the growing demand for e-mobility solutions across the globe.

A special documentary looking into detail at how Formula E achieved the breathtaking feat of delivering the Spark-Renault SRT_01E to an ice cap in Greenland to raise awareness of climate change, will be premiered on November 13 at COP22.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: “We are delighted to be racing in Marrakesh – the first time that Formula E has raced on the African continent, which shows how we have evolved into a truly global championship. The event has even greater significance as we are here as one of the official partners of COP22. Formula E fully understands the challenges and risks that climate change presents, and to be a part of the most significant forum for tackling this problem is a huge honor."

Jean Todt, President of the FIA, said: “Formula E is a great example of an FIA championship among the Federation’s two main pillars – sport and mobility. We are delighted that Formula E has decided to become a partner of COP22 on the occasion of the first edition of the Marrakesh ePrix. As part of the FIA mission to promote clean transport systems available to all, we are looking to encourage the development and adoption of sustainable technologies. Formula E is a fantastic laboratory that will enable the development of ‘clean technologies for all’."

Said Mouline, CEO of Moroccan Agency for the Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said: “The Formula E Marrakesh ePrix on November 12 is an official COP22-certified event and will be a magnificent occasion to demonstrate that electric mobility has reached an excellent level of maturity and that its development is up to determined policies by nation-states. Electric mobility is now also reaching Africa where huge opportunities exist."

The Formula E drivers will be battling it out around the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, subject to FIA track homologation. The 2.97km anti-clockwise circuit has previously hosted other motorsport events, including the WTCC Race of Morocco.

Jose Maria Lopez, three-time WTCC champion and DS Virgin Racing driver, said: “I’ve raced in Marrakesh for three years already with WTCC. As with all street circuits it’s going to be tricky. I’m used to WTCC cars which need more space, so with a Formula E event the track will feel wider. You don’t have a lot of big straight lines here, so there’ll be plenty of fighting for small overtaking gaps – I’m really looking forward to it. Racing on a familiar track in a Formula E car will help bring a new dynamic to my race experience – I hope it leads to success!"

Tickets will be available to purchase in the coming weeks, with eVillage tickets costing €15 and unreserved grandstand tickets priced at €50.