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SA up for world electric-car series
2012-08-27 21:26

London - A global Formula E series of battery-car races will start in 2014 with motor sport's governing body having licensed the commercial rights to a Hong Kong consortium.

One could be run in Cape Town.

A statement on Monday said London-based Spanish businessman Enrique Banuelos would be the lead investor in Formula E Holdings with compatriot and fellow shareholder Alejandro Agag the chief executive.

10 CITIES, 10 RACES

British businessman Paul Drayson, a former science minister and amateur racing driver who runs Drayson Racing Technologies, is also involved in a project that will cost the equivalent of about half a billion rands to launch.

The promoters said the series, sanctioned by the International Automobile Federation (IAF) wanted races in at least 10 cities - of which five will be in Europe. Among those desired are Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing as well as Mumbai, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Mexico City, Miami and Los Angeles.

Cape Town is also on the list.

Agag told Reuters there was already an agreement in place with Rio while a race around Berlin's Brandenburg Gate would be the first choice for Germany. The plans are for a grid of 10 teams and 20 drivers in 2014, expanding to 14 teams in 2015, with entrants able to use their own cars or one based on a Formulec EF01 prototype which has already achieved a top speed of 240km/h.

Races will be an hour in duration but, because the batteries will last only 15-20 minutes, there will be two pit stops for fresh cars.

'SPECTACULAR SERIES'

IAF president Jean Todt said in the statement: "This new competition at the heart of major cities is certain to attract a new audience. The new events will provide a great way to engage the younger generation.

"This spectacular series will offer entertainment and a new opportunity to share the federation's values with a wide audience as clean energy, mobility and sustainability."

The season-winning team will get two-million euros and race-winning drivers will share a four-million euro prize fund.

Agag expected the championship to become the framework for research and development of battery cars.

"We don't expect the big carmakers to step into Formula E in the beginning. The industry is not too familiar with electric racing but I am sure they will arrive in a second stage.

"We are open to any partnership with a big carmaker."

BERNIE'S THERE TOO

Agag, a son-in-law of former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Aznar, already owns teams in the Formula 1 support series GP2 and GP3 under his Addax investment brand.

He also joined F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone and former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore in buying English soccer club Queens Park Rangers.

The team was later sold to Malaysian aviation entrepreneur Tony Fernandes who owns the Caterham F1 team.

Anakha56 wrote:A1 has not come back to SA and have not heard or seen it mentioned on the sports channels anymore. So yeah fail...

After a successful first season of A1GP, it was announced on 29 September 2006 that Maktoum was to sell his position as Chairman & Director of A1GP.[3] The transfer of his share in the organisation of A1 Grand Prix to RAB Capital was finalized in December 2006. Tony Teixeira took control of the series in 2006, leading it to liquidation by 2009.[4] There are currently plans to revive the series.[5]