Five years after the all-electric Formula E series was founded, the FIA has now officially granted it World Championship status.
FE has become a hotbed for manufacturers looking to develop their electric technology – Mercedes and Porsche joined a field for this season which already featured the likes of Audi, DS, Jaguar, Nissan and BMW.
Ex-F1 drivers who turned to the series such as Felipe Massa and Stoffel Vandoorne have already pointed to the series as the future of racing, and now it will have World Championship status for the first time as of the 2020-21 season.
As quoted by Racefans.net, FIA president Jean Todt said: “The creation and development of Formula E [has] been a great adventure.
“I am proud that today we confirm its FIA World Championship status.
“Since we started this journey, Formula E has undoubtedly gone from strength to strength. Within a short timeframe, the series has proven itself relevant for the automotive industry with two more major car manufacturers having joined the series at the start of the current season.
“The commitment and professionalism of those manufacturers and their respective teams is mirrored in the quality of the driver roster which has improved with every season,” added Todt.
“Since its first race in Beijing in 2014 and with every EPrix thereafter, Formula E has proven that the concept of cutting-edge electric racing works. I wholeheartedly welcome Formula E as the latest FIA world championship.”
Former Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne is the current champion – his title last season made him the series’ first two-time champ.
Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.
Source: Read Full Article