“Formula E” Electricity-Powered Racing Series In Talks With London As Debut Venue

Organizers of a “revolutionary series that will race cars powered only by electricity have approached Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, to make the capital the venue for the first ‘green’ grand prix," according to Kevin Eason of the London Times. The series is sanctioned by the FIA and organizers are calling the project “Formula E." Spanish investor and former EPL club Queens Park Rangers Chair Alejandro Agag is “behind the series." He has “already signed up Rome and Rio de Janeiro and is negotiating with cities from Beijing to Los Angeles for races." Africa also is “on the list, with Marrakesh, in Morocco, and Cape Town both showing interest." But Agag wants London to be the "first host of Formula E."

Agag said, “This is the future and proof that you can have motor racing and still be environmentally aware." He added, “We have approached the authorities in London and they are very excited by the idea. There is a long way to go, but we hope that they join our schedule like so many cities that are signing with us. I would really like to start the series in London. It would mean so much." Eason notes there is a “bonus for Boris — no fee." Unlike F1, which “charges up to US$48.4M for the rights to stage a grand prix, Agag will provide the race for free, with the city co-operating in traffic management and set-up." From a base in Central London, Agag is “directing operations for an initial schedule of ten races in 2014." London Times