Malaysia officially launches Putrajaya Formula E race

Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honorable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak (right) and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings, during the official launch of the Putrajaya Formula E race.

Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honorable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, has today officially launched the FIA Formula E Championship in Putrajaya and witnessed the signing of the City Agreement between Tan Sri Aseh Bin Haji Che Mat for the city of Putrajaya and Dato’ Sri Johann Young, to officially host the second Formula E race on 18th October 2014.

The event, held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), was hosted by Dato’ Seri Johann Young, a founding partner and investor of series promoters Formula E Holdings and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E.

More than 150 invited guests including media, corporate and government sectors were on hand to attend the launch which also saw the new Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car on display – only the second time the fully-electric race car has been shown in Asia. Guests, which also included the Chairman of the Automobile Association of Malaysia YM Tunku Datuk Mudzaffa Bin Tunku Mustapha, were also treated to a sneak preview of the proposed Putrajaya circuit layout which incorporates many of the city’s main landmarks.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said: “I am delighted to be here today for the official launch of the 2014 FIA Formula E race in Putrajaya and to witness the unveiling of this remarkable car. I believe this event will be a very significant event, not only from the perspective of this race exclusively for electric cars, but for Malaysia it is a testimony of your confidence in us hosting this momentous event. Electric cars are the cars of the future and represent the next generation of vehicles for the global community."

Alejandro Agag, speaking about the decision to hold the race in Malaysia, said: “Malaysia is a great tourism destination and one of the major players in the world of eco-tourism. And given Malaysia’s foray into car manufacturing, and experience in the logistics of motor sports, the country is indeed an ideal choice. Of course we are delighted to have the full commitment of the Government of Malaysia and the local authorities for their support and for welcoming us here today."

The launch also included a special forum on Formula E and sustainability attended by the Mayor or Putrajaya YBhg Tan Sri Aseh, YBhg Dato’ Sri Johann Young, Alejandro Agag and representatives from Formula E’s partners including DHL, TAG Heuer, Michelin and Renault.

Formula E is a new FIA Championship using electric single-seater race cars capable of speeds in excess of 225km/h. The series will compete in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities including Putrajaya, Los Angeles and London. Ten teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head to create a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fan whilst accelerating the electric vehicle market and promoting sustainability.