FIA Formula E Racing: Drive the Future

The inaugural race was unexpectedly dramatic. A crash at the last turn of the final lap involving the leading cars allowed the Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi of the Audi Sport ABT team to win. The Beijing ePrix took place in Olympic Park, site of the 2008 Olympics. The cars made 25 laps on the 3.44 kilometer course, weaving between the Water Cube and Bird’s Nest.”
Becky Davis, The New York Times
September 13, 2014

Formula E is a new FIA (International Automobile Association) single-seater championship and the world’s first fully electric racing series. It runs from September 2014 through to June 2015, and will compete in the heart of nine of the world’s leading cities, from Beijing to London, racing around their iconic landmarks. For the inaugural season, ten teams, each with two drivers, will go head to head creating a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans. Team owners include Sir Richard Branson, the four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost and the actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Drivers include Formula One veteran Jarno Trulli, Lucas de Grassi and Katherine Leggae.

Formula E represents CEO Alejandro Agag’s vision for the future of the motor industry over the coming decades, serving as a framework for R&D around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting sustainability. Agag sees the research and development of electric racing cars as a catalyst for the development of tomorrow’s clean city cars. With over a decade of motorsports experience and years of shaping global and social issues as a politician, Agag is determined to revolutionize the world of clean mobility on the racetrack, city streets and consumer markets.

We look forward to welcoming Alejandro Agag to our stage, and to learning more about his vision for this inaugural race and beyond. John Hollar will moderate a conversation about the nuts and bolts of how racing electric vehicles really works and the larger sustainability mission driving Agag. They will also talk about the challenges involved in raising the $100 million necessary to launch, and in recruiting ten teams and drivers. And, of course we’ll learn about the technology that’s been incorporated into the cars, and how Formula E is using social media to enhance the fan experience.

The Museum is very fortunate to host this program in advance of the two races in U.S. cities – Miami in March and Long Beach in April. We’ve also invited Agag to bring along a team owner and a driver, and hope to confirm their participation very soon.

Fasten your seat belt and plan to join us for an inspiring and educational ride as we learn more about how Formula E is revolutionizing the world of racing.

We are pleased that KQED Radio is recording this program for broadcast on Thursday, May 7 at 8pm.

This event is part of the Museum's acclaimed Revolutionaries speaker series, featuring renowned innovators, business and technology leaders, and authors in enthralling conversations often with leading journalists. Our audiences learn about the process of innovation, its risks and rewards, and failure that led to ultimate success.