Formula E could drive to India and Africa

The Formula E electric car racing series, whose debut 10-race season ended last Sunday in London with Brazilian Nelson Piquet Junior becoming the first Formula E champion, could spread its wings to India and Africa. The season had kicked off in Beijing last September.

According to a Reuters report, following the successful inaugural season, the Formula E racing series is eyeing expansion to Asia, the Americas and Europe. Speaking to reporters after the final race in London on June 28, series’ chief executive Alejandro Agag said: We want to conquer as much of the world as we can. We will be looking for places, maybe in Africa also.”

There is a likelihood that the series would include two new cities in the second season although the number of races could remain the same. “We want to give the championship stability for the teams. Probably grow another two races for season three,” said Agag.

One of these two new races venues could be in India. Dr Pawan Goenka, executive director, Mahindra & Mahindra, was quoted as telling Reuters that the choice could be between New Delhi and Bangalore. “It cannot happen in 2015-16. It’s too late but in 2016-17, we would like to. The organisers have a general interest in bringing a race to India.”

“Delhi will be ideal in terms of interest and visibility and backdrop – but perhaps most difficult at the same time – followed by Bangalore. Mumbai is out of the question.”

Team Mahindra Racing saw its best result of the season in the last round with Bruno Senna finishing a creditable fourth while team-mate Karun Chandok finished 13^th. 

Meanwhile, British entrepreneur Ricard Branson, who announced a partnership between his Virgin Racing Formula E team, predicted that electric car racing will overtake Formula 1 in popularity within five years.

A Reuters report said that Branson told reporters, "I think there's still going to be room for Formula One for another few more years. But there will come a time when Formula E will overtake Formula One. I think four or five years from now you'll find Formula E overtaking Formula One as far as number of people. As time goes on, the clean energy-type of businesses are going to power ahead of other businesses."

Also read: Formula E crowns its first champions in London