FIA outlines 2013 Formula E electric racing series, calls for competitors

On April 5th, Jean Todt, president of the FIA, expressed his interest in an electrified Formula One racing series. Some months have passed since then, so here we present a rundown of updates on this ongoing project:

• The FIA is currently calling for expression of interest from automakers and racing organizations.
• Teams have until October 14th to respond and will be required to sign a three-year contract.
• The racing series, if launched, will be called Formula E.
• Formula E’s inaugural race is tentatively scheduled for sometime in 2013.
• Formula E racers will likely battle for electric supremacy in major cities around the world.
• Vehicles are to be of the open-wheel design and must be 100-percent electric.
• Minimum vehicle weight will be 780 kilograms (1,720 pounds), driver included.

How will these electric racers manage to rip around the track with nothing but electrons? The FIA says the Formula E series will turn what could be a crippling disadvantage into a blessing by limiting individual races to 15 minutes. What this means is that the electric vehicle’s limited range won’t determine the outcome of the race. And as for the blessing part of the equation, the FIA says it will fill the time slots between each 15-minute race with “activities” and “demonstrations.” We assume there will be some sort of DC direct charging going on while the cars suck down a bit of juice.

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FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AND SELECTION PROCESS

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile is the governing body for world motor sport

and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations. It is a non‐profit making

association and brings together 228 national motoring and sporting organisations from 132

countries on five continents. Its member clubs represent millions of motorists and their

families.

In the context of an increasing environmental pressure on human activities, motorsport

occupies a particular position of responsibility and has a long tradition of pioneering

technological progress. The FIA holds a unique position to offer a perfect showcase for the

development and the promotion of innovative solutions to ensure that mobility remains

environmentally friendly.

One of the federation’s main objectives is to work on the creation of a new high profile

championship, designed to be the flagship of the FIA’s sustainable strategy: the FIA Formula

E Championship (“Championship”).

The FIA has set itself the target to launch this Championship in 2013. As such the federation

calls for expressions of interest to identify a candidate interested in acting as the official and

exclusive agent of the FIA for the organisation and promotion of the Championship under

the Key Parameters defined in Appendix A, with a view to concluding a three year contract

(2013, 2014 and 2015).

The selection process is open to all candidates capable of conducting such a role for the

organisation and the promotion of this Championship.

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