Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), licensing and arbitrating body of the Formula One motor racing, is considering the Indian turf for the inaugural edition of the Formula E Series to be held in the year 2014. The Formula E is an FIA formula based motor racing championship that utilises electrically powered single seater cars. Reportedly, the inaugural championship is scheduled for the year 2014, while the demonstration races are expected to start in the second half of 2013. The Formula E cars will be a single seater just like the Formula One vehicles, which will be more than capable of reaching speeds over 200 km per hour.
Expressing his opinion on India being a potential location for the Formula E World Series, Alejandro Agag, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Formula E affirmed that the domestic turf could be possible candidate and also said that they are currently considering several Indian cities like Mumbai but haven't yet found their perfect choice. Agag who backs teams in the GP3 and GP2 series, further said, “Formula E are certainly focussing on emerging markets to develop the championship. Establishing a base in India would reflect that strategy. We might look for a local partner in India to work with us to set up the race.”
Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI), a subdivision of Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) that owns the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) revealed that they will welcome the idea of hosting the Formula E race. Askari Zaidi, Head, Corporate Communications of JPSI affirmed that the company might discuss the possibility of holding the inaugural Formula E at BIC in the near future. However, no official communication has taken place between the two parties.
Commenting on the concerns regarding the safeguarding of environment due to the Formula E World Championship, Agag said, “The global demand for electric vehicles is growing all the time and we are reflecting that in the sport. This is history in the making and a chance to inspire future generations to curb carbon emissions. The automotive industry is currently going through a process of significant transformation that will become increasingly visible. In this transformation, the electric car will play a key role as the most practical way to achieve the goal of more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.”
The FIA Formula E World Championship will be different from the Formula One races in many aspects. For instance, the races will be organised as a single day event, while the pole position will be decided on the basis on play-offs featuring one-on-one races, much like the format of Champions League and tennis. Interestingly, the pit stops will feature change of cars and not changing of batteries. Reportedly, a Formula E car built on the same platform of the French firm Formulec's F 01 prototype will be offered to participating teams, if they wish to use it. Commenting on the choice and availability of Formula E cars to participating teams, Agag said, “Teams can choose to have their own cars, provided they are FIA homologated. Therefore the championship is open to any constructor wishing to build a Formula E car.”
Expressing his views on the trivial nature of comparisons between Formula One and Formula E, Agag said, “We think F1 is great, and I myself have been part of that world, through my GP2 Team (feeder series to F1) for many years. You cannot compare Skiing and Snowboard. I can guarantee you something; we will be the fastest and most exciting Electric Car Championship in the world.”
