Formula E came to London last week, and Richard Branson was there to witness it.
“Battersea Park provided the most fitting setting for Formula E yet – a green haven, lined with roses, in the middle of the UK capital; the perfect place to experience the future of clean energy and sustainability,” blogged Branson. "Virgin Racing kick-started the weekend with an exciting announcement, a new partnership with the DS brand, which will see the creation of the DS Virgin Racing team for the next series. DS Motorsport Division and Virgin Racing Engineering will combine their technological expertise, so that we can compete at the highest levels and win future championships.
“The partnership also highlights our ambitions to be at the forefront of pioneering new technology to aid the evolution of everyday electric vehicles. We believe that Formula E will do for the electric car, what Formula 1 once did for the road car – but this time, make green sexy. My prediction is that Formula E will overtake Formula 1 in years to come.”
Formula E is a new FIA single-seater championship and the world’s first fully-electric racing series.
The inaugural season kick-started in Beijing in September 2014 and ran until June 2015, competing in 10 of the world’s leading cities including Miami, Berlin and London. A total of 10 teams, each with two drivers, race on temporary city-centre circuits creating a unique and exciting series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans.
Formula E also aims to represent a vision for the future of the motor industry, serving as a framework for R&D around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting clean energy and sustainability.
The championship centres around three core values of Energy, Environment and Entertainment and is a fusion of engineering, technology, sport, science, design, music and entertainment – all combining to drive the change towards an electric future.
“What a great end to the first season of Formula E,” said Branson, who was joined at the event by will.i.am. “This sport is the future of motorsport, and will champion the future of motoring in general. We’re already looking forward to seeing what the next series brings, and how it will help us shape a better future for our grandchildren.”
Read Branson’s blog here, and find out more about Formula E by clicking here.
