Lucas di Grassi joins FIA’s Formula E development team
Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi will act as official tester for the FIA’s all-electric Formula E series, which is set to launch in 2014 with city-centre races and lithium battery-powered single-seaters.
Lucas di Grassi, former Virgin Formula One driver and current Pirelli test driver, has been named as the official tester for the FIA’s new Formula E series, which is scheduled to begin racing in 2014. The announcement places the Brazilian at the centre of technical development for the all-electric single-seater championship.
The FIA has signed a deal with Addax GP2 and GP3 team owner Alejandro Agag and a group of Hong Kong-based investors to promote Formula E. The plan is to stage races in major global cities, with Rio de Janeiro already confirmed and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate named as the preferred German venue. The series aims to showcase electric racing technology in front of landmark city backdrops.
Formula E concept and technical plans
According to the FIA, Formula E cars will be powered exclusively by lithium batteries. The cars are expected to reach speeds of up to 220km/h. Due to current battery limitations, drivers will swap cars during pitstops when their battery charge is depleted, typically after around 25 minutes of racing.
The series is designed to attract a mix of competitors, including traditional F1 teams, electric car manufacturers and global consumer brands. However, Formula E chief executive Alejandro Agag has said he does not expect major carmakers to join immediately, citing the industry’s limited experience with electric racing at this stage. He expects manufacturer involvement to increase once the series is established.
City-centre racing and promotion
Formula E’s strategy is to bring motorsport directly into urban environments, racing on temporary circuits laid out around city landmarks. The FIA has stated that this approach is intended to make electric racing accessible to wider audiences and to highlight the potential for electric vehicles in everyday urban life. The Financial Times reported that the series will target both established racing outfits and new entrants from the electric vehicle sector.
- FIA president Jean Todt signed the promotional deal with Agag and investors.
- One confirmed race in Rio de Janeiro; Berlin also targeted.
- Speeds expected to reach 220km/h with current battery technology.
- Competitors may include F1 teams, electric car firms and global brands.
Formula E’s first season is set for 2014, with di Grassi’s involvement giving the technical development phase an experienced single-seater driver with knowledge of both Formula One and tyre testing. The FIA and series promoters are expected to release further technical and sporting details as the launch approaches.
