The all-electric FIA Formula E Championship gained its ninth team this week, as Britain’s Virgin Racing announced plans to enter the series. Virgin’s position as a technological pioneer in various industries led to its interest in being a part of the inaugural season for the fully electric open-wheel racers.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, hopes to add Formula E success to the brand’s advances in aviation and aerospace, as well as motorsports. “The launch of the FIA Formula E Championship is exciting news for racing fans but also for those that believe in developing the great electric cars of the future,” Branson said. “The need to create fast, dependable and durable race cars will help to accelerate the sector and showcase electric cars to a large global audience. With races around many famous city centres, I am expecting a lot of spectators, plenty of fun and some sparks flying as the competition hots up.”
Virgin’s team will be led by Alex Tai, who said, “I’m absolutely sold on the concept of Formula E and believe that it is a great fit for the Virgin brand. The accessible nature of the series with its races being right in the heart of our great cities, should create a wonderful atmosphere.”
The Formula E Championship begins its first season in the fall of 2014, with a ten-race calendar of events around the world. The high-profile series has been the source of much attention and speculation as to the future of motorsports. Ten teams will ultimately round out the championship, and Virgin is the ninth to sign up, joining Andretti Motorsport, Dragon Racing, China Racing, Super Aguri, Mahindra Racing, Drayson Racing, e.dams and Audi Sport ABT.
